aureus

noun

au·​re·​us ˈȯr-ē-əs How to pronounce aureus (audio)
plural aurei
ˈȯr-ē-ˌī
: a gold coin of ancient Rome varying in weight from ¹/₃₀ to ¹/₇₀ libra

Examples of aureus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Marking key shifts Since 1990, the infection that caused the biggest increase was MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus), a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to some antibiotics. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 17 Sep. 2024 The condition is triggered by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (which thrive in moist environments, like inside the nostrils) or physical irritation (from nose blowing, say, or booger picking). Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024 The researchers found that the pathogen-drug combination that had the largest increase in causing the most burden among all age groups was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024 Bitter melon essential oils have shown to fight Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and other bacteria like E. coli. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for aureus 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, golden, from aurum gold; akin to Old Prussian ausis gold

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aureus was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near aureus

Cite this Entry

“Aureus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aureus. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on aureus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!