token
UK: ˈtəʊkən | US: ˈtoʊkən
n. a physical or digital object representing a fact, right, or value (e.g., a coin, ticket, or cryptocurrency)
n. a symbol or sign of something (e.g., a token of gratitude)
adj. minimal or symbolic (e.g., token effort)
token = toke<sign> + en<noun suffix>
- toke (from Old English tācn, meaning "sign, symbol, evidence")
- en (a noun-forming suffix in Old English, often indicating a concrete object)
Etymology Origin:
The word "token" traces back to Old English tācn, derived from Proto-Germanic taikną, meaning "sign" or "symbol." It shares roots with German Zeichen and Dutch teken. Originally, it referred to physical markers (e.g., coins, seals) proving authenticity or authority. Over time, it expanded to abstract symbols (e.g., tokens of affection) and modern uses like digital tokens in computing. The suffix "-en" solidifies its role as a tangible or conceptual object.
She gave him a small gift as a token of appreciation.
The subway token was replaced by a digital card.
His apology seemed like a token gesture rather than genuine remorse.
Cryptocurrencies use blockchain to verify each token's validity.
In linguistics, a token represents an instance of a word in a text.