Paisa

/ˈpaɪsə/ noun

Definition

A monetary unit of several South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, and Nepal, equal to one hundredth of the main currency unit.

Etymology

From Hindi-Urdu 'paisā,' ultimately from Sanskrit 'padma' (lotus); the lotus-themed coin evolved into the word for small currency denomination.

Kelly Says

The paisa is so small in modern India (worth about 0.012 US cents) that it's barely used anymore, yet in Pakistan and Nepal it remains officially part of currency systems even though physical coins rarely circulate.

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