shekel Hear it!

shekel definition

shekel (s̸hek′əl)

noun

  1. an ancient unit of weight used by Hebrews, Babylonians, etc., equal to about half an ounce
  2. a half-ounce gold or silver coin of the ancient Hebrews
  3. the basic monetary unit of Israel
  4. Slang money

Etymology: Heb < shakal, to weigh

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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