Pronunciation: [lˈuː] (IPA) 
The word "leu" is spelled with the phonemes /l/ and /j/ (which represents the "w" sound). The IPA phonetic transcription for "leu" is /ljuː/. This spelling is commonly used to refer to a currency used in Romania and Moldova. The word "leu" originated from the Latin word "leopardus," meaning "leopard" and was used to represent a type of Venetian coin. Today, the spelling and pronunciation of "leu" remain standardized in both countries.
Leu is a term that has two different meanings depending on the context it is used in.
1. Leu is the currency of Romania. As the official currency of the country, the leu is abbreviated as RON, which stands for Romanian New Leu. The leu is subdivided into 100 bani. It has been in circulation since 2005 when it replaced the previous currency, the old leu. The leu is issued and regulated by the National Bank of Romania and is used for various financial transactions within the country.
2. Leu is also a term used in the field of zoology. In this context, leu refers to a species of wild cat known as the leopard. The leopard, scientifically called Panthera pardus, is a large carnivorous mammal native to various regions of Africa and Asia. The leu is renowned for its distinctive, beautiful coat pattern, consisting of rosettes and spots. It is an agile, stealthy hunter and possesses sharp claws and powerful jaws. The leu is an important predator in its ecosystems, and its populations are scattered across a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountainous regions. Due to habitat loss and poaching, some subspecies of the leopard are listed as endangered or vulnerable.
In summary, leu is a term that can refer to the currency of Romania or the leopard, a species of wild cat.
The word "leu" is derived from the French language. It originated from the Old French word "loir" or "lue", which meant "wolf". The word later evolved into "leu" in Middle French, specifically referring to the grey or silver color of a wolf's fur. Over time, "leu" came to be used as a name for the currency unit in Romania and Moldova.
