Definition

Noun 1. A subunit of currency: A "kuruş" is a monetary unit, specifically a subdivision of the Turkish lira. Historically, 100 kuruş equaled 1 lira.

Usage Notes

• The word "kuruş" is used specifically in the context of Turkish currency. It functions similarly to how "cent" is a subunit of the dollar or "penny" is a subunit of the pound.
• It is a countable noun (e.g., one kuruş, fifty kuruş).
• Note on spelling: While the provided word is "kurus", the more standard English transliteration from Turkish is "kuruş" (with a cedilla under the 's'). Both forms may be encountered.

Examples

• The small candy cost only a few kuruş.
• Before the currency revaluation, you needed 100 kuruş to make one lira.
• He gave the street musician a 50-kuruş coin.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used historically to refer to the subdivision of the old Turkish lira (TRL) before the 2005 revaluation. The new Turkish lira (TRY) also originally used the kuruş as its 1/100 subunit.
• In figurative language, it can symbolize a very small amount of money, similar to "a penny".
  • I wouldn't give a single kuruş for that old, broken chair.

Variants and Related Words

• Para (n): A more general Turkish word for money or currency.
• Lira (n): The primary unit of Turkish currency, of which the kuruş is a part.
• Cent, Penny, Paisa (n): Examples of similar fractional currency units in other monetary systems.

Synonyms

• Subunit
• Fractional monetary unit

Related Phrases

• Not worth a kuruş: Worthless, having no value.
  • His promise turned out not to be worth a kuruş.

Noun

1. 100 kurus equal 1 lira in Turkey