Chiao

/ˈtʃaʊ/ noun

Definition

a monetary unit formerly used in China, equal to one-tenth of a yuan.

Etymology

From Chinese jiǎo (角), meaning 'corner' or 'angle,' which came to mean a small denomination of currency. The name derives from the shape or divisions of ancient coins.

Kelly Says

Currency names often come from what coins were made of or how they looked—chiao means 'corner,' so maybe the original coins were cut into ten pieces!

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