Skip to main content
monometallism

monometallism

9.9
Use of one metal like gold to set a country's money value
  • noun
  • /ˌmɒnəˈmɛtəlɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : monometalismo
  • The country adopted monometallism, using only gold as its currency standard.

Examples

  • Supporters of monometallism argued that a single-metal standard would bring greater monetary stability.

  • Economists debated the merits of monometallism versus bimetallism in the nineteenth century.

  • Many countries adopted monometallism in the 19th century.

  • The concept of monometallism has its roots in ancient economies.

  • The country adopted monometallism, using only gold as its currency standard.

  • Supporters of monometallism argued that a single-metal standard would bring greater monetary stability.

  • Economists debated the merits of monometallism versus bimetallism in the nineteenth century.

Surface Forms

monometallism singular

Morphology

monometallism = metallism (semi-transparent) = mono + metal + ism

The word is formed straightforwardly by adding mono- to metallism to indicate a single metal standard.

Etymology

The word monometallism comes from parts meaning 'one' (mono-) and 'metal' (metal). So, it literally means a money system using 'one metal' as the standard, which is why it refers to using only gold or only silver for a country's currency.