cash

Definitions

Cash came through Italian cassa / French casse from Latin capsa, a 'money-box' — the same capsa behind capsule and case (all from capere, 'to hold'). It first meant the box that held the money, then shifted to the money inside it. So 'cash' was originally the container, not the coins.

Why It Means This

Here's the surprise: cash and capsule are cousins. Both go back to capsa, a box. Cash named the cash-box first, then the contents took over the name — the way 'a glass' of water names the container but means the drink. The capere thread (to hold) survives faintly: cash is what the box used to hold.

Common Collocations

• 1.pay in cash用现金支付
• 2.cash register收银机
• 3.cash flow现金流
• 4.cash a cheque兑现支票

Example Sentences

• 1.

  I'd rather pay in cash than use a card.

• 2.

  She went to the bank to cash her paycheck.