Kwanzas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of currency utilized in Angola, representing its official monetary unit
2. It denotes the plural form of the monetary unit used in Angola, from which individual units derive
3. Traditionally used in financial transactions and trade within Angola, signifying value and purchasing power

Etymology: The Kwanza is a river in Angola, and the currency takes its name from it. The river's name, in the form "Cuanza" used by Portuguese speakers, is what gives the currency its modern spelling, with "kwanza" being the form adopted in Angola. Angola was a Portuguese colony for centuries, so the river was known to European colonizers by its Portuguese-influenced name long before the country became independent. "Kwanzas" is simply the plural of "kwanza," formed by adding the regular English "-s" ending. Since the currency is divided into 100 "lwei," each individual kwanza is a unit that can be counted, so the plural is needed whenever more than one is meant.