Momme (unit)

Momme (匁, monme) is both a Japanese unit of mass and former unit of currency. As a measurement, Momme is part of a table of Japanese units where during the Edo period it was equal to 1⁄10 ryō (aka Tael). Since the Meiji era 1 momme has been reformed to equal exactly 3.75 grams in SI units. The latter term for Momme refers to when it was used as a unit of currency during the Edo period in the form of silver coins. As a term, the word "Momme" and its symbol "匁" are unique to Japan. The Chinese equivalent to Momme is qián (Chinese: 錢), which is also a generic word for "money". While the term Momme is no longer used for currency, it survives as a standard unit of measure used by pearl dealers to communicate with pearl producers and wholesalers.