n.
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 a : of, relating to, or calculated in terms of British sterling b : payable in sterling
2 a of silver : having a fixed standard of purity usually defined legally as represented by an alloy of 925 parts of silver with 75 parts of copper b : made of sterling silver
3 : conforming to the highest standard < sterling character> <a sterling record of achievement>
– ster · ling · ly adverb
– ster · ling · ness noun