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QINTAR

kin-TAR

Noun
Expert Level
6 Letters

Quick Definition

QINTAR A monetary unit of Albania, equal to one hundredth of a lek.

Scrabble Points

15

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

Definition & Meaning

A qintar (also spelled qindar) is a monetary subunit of Albania, with 100 qintars equal to 1 lek. The term has been used since Albania's monetary reform in 1926, though inflation has made the qintar virtually obsolete in practical transactions.

The word also historically referred to various weight measurements in Ottoman and Arab regions, similar to the quintal in other languages. This reflects Albania's complex history at the crossroads of different empires and trading systems.

For Scrabble enthusiasts, QINTAR provides a 6-letter Q-without-U option. While longer words typically score more points, they can be harder to place on crowded boards. Knowledge of international currency terms proves valuable in competitive word games.

Although qintars are no longer minted due to their negligible value, they remain the official subunit of the lek in Albanian law. Prices are still sometimes quoted in qintars for statistical or legal purposes, even though physical coins haven't been produced for decades.

Did You Know?

  • The last qintar coins were minted in 1988, and inflation has made them worthless.
  • Albania is one of the few countries whose currency subunit starts with Q.
  • During communist rule, qintar coins featured socialist symbols like wheat stalks.
  • The 50 qintar coin was popularly called 'half lek' rather than using the qintar denomination.

Etymology & Origin

The word 'qintar' comes from Albanian, ultimately derived from the same root as 'quintal' and 'centar,' all stemming from Latin 'centenarius' meaning 'consisting of a hundred.' The Albanian spelling with Q reflects the country's unique alphabet and phonology. It entered English through numismatic (coin collecting) literature.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Words with similar meaning

QINDAR

Alternative spelling

CENT

Hundredth of main unit

PENNY

Small monetary unit

Antonyms

Words with opposite meaning

LEK

Main Albanian currency unit

DOLLAR

Whole currency unit

Word Forms & Variations

Plural Form

qintars

Related Terms

Albanian qintar
qintar coin
lek and qintar

Common Phrases & Collocations

Frequent Combinations

  • 100 qintars

    Equal to one lek

  • qintar coin

    Physical currency (historical)

  • price in qintars

    Amount in Albanian subunits

In Context

    Letter Analysis & Game Details

    Letter Distribution

    Q (10 pts)
    1x
    I (1 pts)
    1x
    N (1 pts)
    1x
    T (1 pts)
    1x
    A (1 pts)
    1x
    R (1 pts)
    1x

    Total base points: 15 (Scrabble)

    Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 4

    Word Building

    Rhyming Words

    STAR
    TAR
    BAR
    CAR
    FAR
    JAR
    MAR
    PAR

    Similar 6-Letter Words

    Other high-scoring 6-letter words (Scrabble)

    Word Game Strategy

    Playing QINTAR

    • 1.6-letter Q-without-U word
    • 2.Can build from -TAR ending
    • 3.Currency terms often valid in word games
    • 4.Less known, might be challenged
    • 5.Good for using Q with common letters

    Strategic Considerations

    Focus on maximizing tile placement and multipliers.

    Usage Examples in Context

    "The old price list showed amounts in leks and qintars, though the latter had no practical value."

    "Coin collectors seek rare qintar pieces from Albania's early independence period."

    "Playing QINTAR in the word game cleared the difficult Q tile while scoring substantial points."

    Cultural Impact & Modern Usage

    The qintar represents Albania's efforts to establish a modern monetary system after independence. Though practically obsolete, it remains part of Albanian financial terminology and appears in historical texts about the country's economic development through various political systems.

    Common Mistakes & Confusions

    • Spelling it 'quintar':Albanian uses QI not QUI
    • Thinking it's Arabic:It's Albanian currency
    • Confusing with quintal (weight):Different meaning despite similar origin

    Related Words to Explore

    Master This Word

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    Content reviewed by Word Game Experts