sterling

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

ster·ling [sterling sterlings] noun, adjective BrE [ˈstɜːlɪŋ] NAmE [ˈstɜːrlɪŋ]
noun uncountable
the money system of Britain, based on the pound
•the value of sterling
•You can be paid in pounds sterling or American dollars.

Word Origin:
Middle English: probably from steorra ‘star’ + ↑-ling (because some early Norman coins bore a small star). Until recently one popular theory was that the coin was originally made by Easterling moneyers (from the “eastern” Hanse towns), but the stressed first syllable would not have been dropped.

Example Bank:
•50 pounds sterling

 
adjective usually before noun (formal)
of excellent quality
•He has done sterling work on the finance committee.
•My old watch has given me 15 years of sterling service.
•She has sterling qualities.

Word Origin:
Middle English: probably from steorra ‘star’ + ↑-ling (because some early Norman coins bore a small star). Until recently one popular theory was that the coin was originally made by Easterling moneyers (from the “eastern” Hanse towns), but the stressed first syllable would not have been dropped.

Example Bank:
•She has some sterling qualities.
•Thanks to all your sterling efforts, we've raised over £12 000.

 

• Từ đồng nghĩa / Synonyms:
  greatest, sterling(a), superlative