obolus
- noun
- /ˈoʊbələs/
- Archaic
:
obolo
- The archaeologist discovered an obolus while excavating the ancient ruins.
Examples
-
The collection included a well-preserved obolus dating back to the fifth century BC.
-
In ancient Greece, an obolus was often used for small everyday purchases.
-
The obolus was used in religious offerings.
-
In ancient Athens, many goods were priced in oboli.
-
In ancient Greece, a traveler might need to pay Charon with an obolus to cross the River Styx.
-
The obolus was often used in daily transactions among ordinary people in ancient Athens.
-
You can find ancient coin replicas, including the obolus, in museums that showcase Greek history.
Synonyms
1
9.9
An ancient Greek money unit equal to one sixth of a drachma
How Valuable
Surface Forms
Etymology
Obolus comes from the Greek word obelos, meaning a 'spit' or small 'metal rod' that people used as a small piece of metal; this same root is behind obelisk. So, the word came to mean a small silver coin of low value used for everyday small payments.