mina
UK[ˈmiːnə]US[ˈmiːnə]
n
An ancient unit of weight and currency used in the Near East and Greece.
n
Any of various Asian starlings of the genus Acridotheres or Gracula, especially the hill myna, known for its ability to mimic sounds.
Etymology
The word 'mina' entered English in the late 16th century, borrowed directly from Latin 'mina', which itself came from Greek 'mna'. The Greek term was a direct adaptation of the ancient Semitic unit 'maneh', used as both a measure of weight and a denomination of silver currency. This journey from a practical, material measure in ancient Near Eastern trade to its modern dual meaning—retaining its historical sense while also naming a family of birds—exemplifies how words can travel across cultures, preserving a tangible link to ancient economies while acquiring new, unrelated applications in natural history.
Analysis
This word is a simplex loanword. Its spelling and form were adopted directly from its source languages.
Examples
The tribute was calculated at fifty minas of silver.
The common myna is an adaptable bird often found in urban areas.
In the ancient market, goods were often valued in minas and shekels.