straits dollar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/ObsoleteHistorical, Academic, Numismatic
Quick answer
What does “straits dollar” mean?
A historical silver coin and currency unit used in the British Straits Settlements (Singapore, Penang, Malacca) between 1904 and 1939.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical silver coin and currency unit used in the British Straits Settlements (Singapore, Penang, Malacca) between 1904 and 1939.
The term can refer to the former monetary system of the Straits Settlements and is sometimes used in historical or numismatic contexts. It was pegged to the British pound sterling and later replaced by the Malayan dollar.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; the term is tied to British colonial history. American English speakers would only encounter it in the same specialized contexts.
Connotations
Historical, colonial-era currency.
Frequency
Equally rare/infrequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “straits dollar” in a Sentence
The [year/denomination] Straits dollarto be pegged to the Straits dollarto replace the Straits dollar withVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “straits dollar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The Straits-dollar era ended in 1939.
- A Straits-dollar denomination.
American English
- A Straits-dollar coin was minted in Calcutta.
- Straits-dollar notes are collectible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business.
Academic
Used in economic history, colonial studies, or numismatics.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used precisely in historical finance or coin collecting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “straits dollar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “straits dollar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “straits dollar”
- Incorrect: 'strait dollar' (missing 's').
- Incorrect: using lowercase ('straits dollar').
- Incorrect: assuming it's a current currency.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it was demonetized and replaced decades ago. It is only of historical and collectible value.
Primarily in the Straits Settlements: Singapore, Penang (Prince of Wales Island), and Malacca.
The standard coin was made of silver.
It is named after the Straits Settlements, which were British territories located around the Strait of Malacca.
A historical silver coin and currency unit used in the British Straits Settlements (Singapore, Penang, Malacca) between 1904 and 1939.
Straits dollar is usually historical, academic, numismatic in register.
Straits dollar: in British English it is pronounced /streɪts ˈdɒlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /streɪts ˈdɑːlɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this historical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the STRAIT of Malacca + DOLLAR = the currency used in the settlements along that strait.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable.
Practice
Quiz
What replaced the Straits dollar?