# abbasi

/ɑˈbɑsi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abbasi
Updated: 2026-05-01

## Senses

### 1. Persian silver coin

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

a silver coin used in old Persia, named after a famous king.

For teachers: a silver coin of Persia introduced by the Safavid Shah Abbas I in the 16th century.

- The merchant accepted an old abbasi as payment for the silk.
- The hoard discovered near Isfahan contained several well-preserved abbasi coins, providing insight into Safavid trade liquidities.

Usage: The term is primarily encountered in historical texts or numismatic studies.

### 2. unit of weight

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

an old Persian measurement for how heavy something is.

For teachers: a historical Persian unit of weight, approximately equivalent to 12.8 ounces or 360 grams.

- The recipe called for one abbasi of expensive saffron.
- Standardizing the abbasi across the provinces was a key administrative challenge for the central government during the 17th century.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun of measurement.

### 3. Afghan bronze coin

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

a bronze coin used in Afghanistan in the early 1900s.

For teachers: an Afghan bronze denomination from the early 20th century, valued at four shahi.

- He found a bronze abbasi while digging in the old market.
- Numismatists distinguish the Afghan abbasi from its Persian predecessor by its bronze composition and distinct early 20th-century markings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.