troy weight
Noun: A system of measurement for mass, specifically designed for weighing precious metals (like gold and silver) and gemstones (like diamonds). It is distinct from the more common avoirdupois system. Its defining characteristic is that it is based on a 12-ounce pound, where each ounce is further subdivided into 480 grains.
The term "troy weight" is used to specify the measurement system being employed, particularly in contexts of commerce, jewelry, bullion trading, and numismatics (coin collecting). It clarifies that the ounces and pounds mentioned are not the standard avoirdupois units.
- Noun:
- Gold is traditionally traded using troy weight.
- The jeweler measured the silver using troy weight, not the standard system.
- One pound in troy weight contains 12 troy ounces.
- "in troy weight": A phrase used to specify the unit system.
- The bar was listed as 100 ounces, but that was in troy weight.
- Troy ounce (oz t): The fundamental unit of the troy weight system, equal to 480 grains or approximately 31.1035 grams.
- The price of gold is quoted per troy ounce.
- Troy pound: A unit in the troy weight system equal to 12 troy ounces. It is approximately 373.24 grams and is rarely used in modern practice.
- Pennyweight (dwt): A unit in the troy weight system equal to 24 grains or 1/20 of a troy ounce.
- Troy system: A direct synonym for the measurement system.
- Apothecaries' weight: A historically related system with the same ounce and pound definitions, used for pharmaceuticals. While closely related, it is not an exact synonym as the subdivisions (scruple, dram) differ.
The term "troy weight" refers exclusively to this specific measurement system. It is not used figuratively and has no other common meanings. Its name is believed to originate from the French market town of Troyes.
- a system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones; based on a 12-ounce pound and an ounce of 480 grains