Definition

1. Noun:
   • The basic unit of money in Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast): The "cote d'ivoire franc" was the official national currency of Côte d'Ivoire. It was a subdivision of the West African CFA franc, which is pegged to the euro.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Prices for local goods were often listed in cote d'ivoire franc.
  • Before adopting the CFA franc, the country used the cote d'ivoire franc as its currency.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term "cote d'ivoire franc" specifically refers to the currency used in the Ivory Coast before it became part of the West African CFA franc (XOF) monetary union. It is now primarily a historical term.
  • Collectors seek out old banknotes of the cote d'ivoire franc.

Variants and Related Words

• CFA franc (noun): The common currency used in several West African countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, which replaced national currencies like the cote d'ivoire franc. The acronym CFA has historically stood for "Communauté Financière Africaine" (African Financial Community).
• Franc (noun): A monetary unit used by several countries, historically originating from France.
• West African CFA franc (XOF) (noun): The current legal tender in Côte d'Ivoire and other members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union.

Synonyms

• Ivorian franc: An alternative name for the same historical currency unit.
• Currency of Ivory Coast: A general descriptive term.

Notes on Usage

• The term is often seen in its French form, "franc de la Côte d'Ivoire," but "cote d'ivoire franc" is the standard English rendering.
• As the currency is historical, the term is used in past tense or historical contexts. For the modern currency, "CFA franc" or "West African CFA franc" is used.
  • He exchanged his euros for CFA francs upon arrival in Abidjan, not cote d'ivoire francs.

Noun

1. the basic unit of money in the Ivory Coast