moidore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare (Obsolete/Historical)Archaic, Historical, Literary, Academic (Historical Studies)
Quick answer
What does “moidore” mean?
A historical gold coin of Portugal, especially one minted in the 18th century, also used in England as currency with a fixed value.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical gold coin of Portugal, especially one minted in the 18th century, also used in England as currency with a fixed value.
An obsolete term for a valuable gold coin or a unit of currency, now chiefly used in historical contexts, literary references, or treasure-related descriptions. Can metaphorically represent a tangible, historical form of wealth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No substantive regional difference in contemporary understanding or use, as the term is archaic in both varieties. British texts may have marginally higher occurrence due to historical trade links with Portugal.
Connotations
Identical: antiquarianism, historical wealth, treasure, piracy (in adventure stories).
Frequency
Extremely rare and functionally obsolete in both. Any modern occurrence is deliberate archaism or historical reference.
Grammar
How to Use “moidore” in a Sentence
a [number] moidore(s)a chest/handful of moidoresworth [a/several] moidore(s)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moidore” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The moidore coins were highly prized.
American English
- A moidore coin was a standard for value.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used in modern business. Only in historical financial analysis.
Academic
Used in historical, economic, or numismatic (coin-collecting) papers discussing 17th-18th century trade.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would cause confusion.
Technical
Used precisely in numismatics to describe a specific type of Portuguese coin.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moidore”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moidore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moidore”
- Using it to refer to any old coin (it must be gold and Portuguese).
- Using it in a modern financial context.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈmɔɪdɔr/ in British English (should be /ˈmɔɪdɔː/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete historical coin with no modern monetary value, though it has value to collectors.
No, it is a specific historical term for a Portuguese gold coin. Using it generically would be incorrect and confusing.
Primarily in historical novels, academic papers on economic history, or catalogues for coin collectors (numismatists).
Its value fluctuated, but in 18th-century England, it was often valued at 27 British shillings. It was a substantial sum.
A historical gold coin of Portugal, especially one minted in the 18th century, also used in England as currency with a fixed value.
Moidore is usually archaic, historical, literary, academic (historical studies) in register.
Moidore: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɔɪdɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɔɪdɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not a moidore to his name (archaic for penniless)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MOIsty DOOR to a pirate's treasure chest, behind which lies a pile of gold moidores.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH IS TANGIBLE GOLD (The moidore represents concrete, historical, and romanticised wealth, as opposed to abstract modern finance).
Practice
Quiz
What is a moidore?