BIMETALLISM

bimetallism

(noun) a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by stated amounts of two metals (usually gold and silver) with values set at a predetermined ratio

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

bimetallism (countable and uncountable, plural bimetallisms)

(economics) The use of a monetary standard based upon two different metals, traditionally gold and silver usually in a fixed ratio of values.

Source: Wiktionary

Bi*met"al*lism, n. Etym: [F. bimétalisme.]

Definition: The legalized use of two metals (as gold and silver) in the currency of a country, at a fixed relative value; -- in opposition to monometallism.

Note: The words bimétallisme and monométallisme are due to M. Cernuschi [1869]. Littré.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition