Definition

Noun: 1. A unit of measurement for the purity of gold: "kt" (abbreviation for "karat" or "carat" in this context) is a scale used to indicate the proportion of pure gold in a metal alloy. Pure gold is defined as 24 karats.

Usage

"kt" is used almost exclusively as an abbreviation following a number to specify the fineness of gold jewelry, coins, or other items. * The purity is expressed as a fraction of 24. For example, 18 kt gold means 18 parts out of 24 are pure gold. * It is commonly written in lowercase ("kt") or as the symbol "K" (e.g., 18K).

Examples

• Noun:
  • This ring is made of 14 kt gold, so it is more durable than pure gold.
  • Investors often prefer 24 kt gold bars for their purity.
  • The necklace is stamped with "18 kt" to indicate its quality.

Advanced Usage

• "Karat" vs. "Carat": In American English, "karat" (abbr. kt) refers to gold purity, while "carat" (abbr. ct) is a unit of mass for gemstones. In British English, "carat" can be used for both meanings, making context essential.
  • She received a 1-carat diamond set in 18-karat white gold.

Variants and Related Words

• Karat (n): The full word for which "kt" is the standard abbreviation.
• Carat (n): A unit of weight for precious stones, equal to 200 milligrams. (Note the potential for confusion with "karat").
• Fineness (n): Another way to express the purity of precious metals, often as parts per thousand (e.g., 750 fineness = 18 kt).

Synonyms

• Gold purity unit: The most direct description of its function.

Noun

1. the unit of measurement for the proportion of gold in an alloy; 18-karat gold is 75% gold; 24-karat gold is pure gold