cash

UK: kæʃ | US: kæʃ

Definition

  1. n. money in the form of coins or banknotes

  2. vt. to exchange a check or other financial instrument for money

Structure
cash <money>
Etymology

The word "cash" traces back to the Italian cassa (meaning "box" or "money box"), derived from Latin capsa (a container for holding valuables). It entered English via French caisse in the 16th century, initially referring to a money box before evolving to denote physical currency itself. The shift from "container" to "money" reflects the practical association of stored valuables with ready money.

Examples

  1. She paid for the groceries in cash.

  2. The store doesn’t accept credit cards—only cash.

  3. He cashed his paycheck at the bank.

  4. Always keep some emergency cash on hand.

  5. The thief stole a large amount of cash from the register.