zaire

noun

ˈzī(-ə)r  zä-ˈir 

plural zaires or zaire

: the basic monetary unit of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1967–71) and of Zaire (1971–96)

Word History

Etymology

French zaïre, from Zaïre, former name (1971–97) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Geographical Definition

Zaire

geographical name

Za·​ire zä-ˈir 

1

river in Africa see congo sense 1

2

see congo sense 2

Zairean adjective or noun

or Zairian

zä-ˈir-ē-ən