The spelling of the word "twentyfive cents" is divided into two parts: "twenty" and "five". The word "twenty" is pronounced /ˈtwɛnti/ with emphasis on the first syllable and the vowel sound in the second syllable is pronounced as "eh" sound as in the word "pen". The word "five" is pronounced /faɪv/, where the vowel sound is pronounced as "ay" sound as in the word "day". Together, the pronunciation for "twentyfive cents" is /ˈtwɛntiˌfaɪv sɛnts/.
Twenty-five cents is a monetary unit of the United States currency system, denoted by the symbol "$0.25". It is commonly referred to as a quarter, as it constitutes one-fourth or 25% of a dollar. As a denomination of currency, a quarter holds a fixed value equal to one-quarter of a dollar, making it the lowest-value coin used in everyday transactions.
Measuring in diameter approximately 0.955 inches (24.26 mm), the twenty-five cent piece is a round coin with a smooth edge. On its front side, commonly known as the "obverse," the quarter typically features a portrait of a former U.S. President, most commonly that of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The reverse side, or "back," of the quarter displays various images, such as national emblems, cultural symbols, or events specific to American history.
As a convenient denomination, twenty-five cents is often used as loose change in daily transactions, primarily for the purchasing of small items or services. Four quarters collectively amount to one full dollar, making them useful to reach various price points. Moreover, quarters are commonly employed in vending machines, parking meters, and public transport systems, serving as a widely acceptable form of payment for such automated services.
The word "twenty-five cents" is composed of two main components: "twenty" and "five cents".
The word "twenty" comes from Old English "twēntig" which means "two tens". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "twai" (two) and "tigjō" (group of ten), ultimately tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root "dwóh₁" (two). Over time, "twēntig" evolved into "twenty" in Modern English.
The term "five cents" refers to the monetary value of five units of currency, specifically cents. The word "cents" is a short form of "centimes", derived from the French word "cent" meaning "hundred". It is ultimately derived from the Latin word "centum" also meaning "hundred".