karat
Definition
Noun: A unit for measuring the purity of gold in an alloy, expressed in 24ths. Pure gold is 24 karats.
Usage
The word "karat" (abbreviated as "kt" or "K") is used specifically to describe the fineness of gold. It indicates what fraction of an alloy's total weight is pure gold. For example, 18-karat gold is an alloy where 18 out of 24 parts are gold, with the remaining parts being other metals like silver or copper.
Examples
- Noun:
- This ring is made of 14-karat gold.
- Pure gold is 24 karats and is too soft for most jewelry.
- The difference in price is due to the karat weight; 22-karat gold is more valuable than 10-karat.
Advanced Usage
- "Karat" vs. "Carat": In American English, "karat" refers to gold purity, while "carat" refers to the weight of gemstones. In British English, "carat" can be used for both meanings, though "karat" is also recognized for gold.
- The diamond is two carats, set in 18-karat white gold.
Variants and Related Words
- Carat (noun): A unit of mass for gemstones, equal to 200 milligrams.
- Fineness (noun): Another measure of precious metal purity, often expressed in parts per thousand (e.g., 750 fineness gold is equivalent to 18 karats).
Synonyms
- Gold purity unit: (This is a descriptive synonym, as "karat" is the standard specific term.)
Related Phrases
- Karat mark: The stamp on jewelry indicating its karat value (e.g., 14K, 18K).
- Always check the karat mark inside the ring before purchasing.
- Low-karat / High-karat: Terms describing the relative purity.
- High-karat gold has a richer color but is less durable.
Noun
-
the unit of measurement for the proportion of gold in an alloy; 18-karat gold is 75% gold; 24-karat gold is pure gold
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