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sterling

Syllabification: (ster·ling)

Pronunciation: /ˈstərliNG/

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Definition of sterling

noun

British money:prices in sterling are shown [as modifier]:issues of sterling bonds
short for sterling silver. [as modifier]:a sterling spoon

adjective

(of a person or their work, efforts, or qualities) excellent or valuable:this organization does sterling work for youngsters

Origin:

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 Until recently one popular theory was that the coin was originally made by Easterling moneyers (from the “eastern” Hansa towns), but the stressed first syllable would not have been dropped

sterling in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of sterling in the British & World English dictionary

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