ENGLISH
REFERENCE

francs

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɹæŋks// UK //fɹˈɑːnks// francs

n. the basic units of money used in several countries, such as Switzerland and some African nations. Before the euro, this was also the money used in France and Belgium.

n. the primary unit of currency in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and several Francophone African nations. Historically used in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg prior to the adoption of the euro.


SIMPLE

The dinner in Geneva cost eighty francs.

CONTEXTUAL

Travelers visiting the Swiss Alps should carry some cash in francs for small mountain shops.

COMPLEX

While the French and Belgian versions were replaced by the euro, the Swiss franc remains a global reserve currency valued for its historical stability during periods of market volatility.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually plural when referring to a specific amount of money; the singular form is 'franc'.

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