Definition

Noun: - A unit of measurement in the troy weight system: A "troy unit" is any one of the specific units used within the troy system, a traditional system of mass (weight) used primarily for precious metals, gemstones, and black powder. The system is named after the French market town of Troyes.

Usage

The term "troy unit" is used to refer collectively or individually to the units within this specific weight system. It is a formal term, most common in historical, numismatic, or precious metals contexts. - The troy system is distinct from the more common avoirdupois system used for everyday items. - Key troy units include the grain, pennyweight, troy ounce, and troy pound.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Gold and silver are often measured in troy units like the troy ounce.
  • The apothecary's scale was calibrated in troy units for weighing medicinal powders.
  • Converting from a troy unit to a metric unit requires a specific conversion factor.

Advanced Usage

• "Troy weight" vs. "Avoirdupois weight": It is critical to distinguish between these systems. One troy ounce is approximately 31.1035 grams, while one avoirdupois ounce is approximately 28.3495 grams. A troy pound contains 12 troy ounces, whereas an avoirdupois pound contains 16 avoirdupois ounces.
• Historical Context: The troy system was historically used in the English-speaking world for currency (as in "pound sterling," originally a pound weight of sterling silver) and pharmaceuticals (the apothecaries' system was closely related).

Variants and Related Words

• Troy weight (n): The entire system of units based on the troy pound.
  • Precious metals are traded using troy weight.
• Troy ounce (n): The most commonly used troy unit in modern precious metals markets.
  • The price of gold is quoted per troy ounce.
• Pennyweight (n): A troy unit equal to 24 grains or 1/20 of a troy ounce.
  • The jeweler measured the gold chain in pennyweights.

Synonyms

• Troy measure: A less common synonym for the troy weight system or its units.
• Apothecaries' unit: Refers to the closely related (and often identical) units used in the apothecaries' system for weighing medicines. (Note: The grain is identical in troy, avoirdupois, and apothecaries' systems, but other units like the ounce and pound differed in the apothecaries' system.)

Related Phrases

• Troy system: The complete set of rules and units for troy weight.
  • The troy system is still the standard for bullion.
• Troy pound: A troy unit equal to 12 troy ounces or 5,760 grains.
  • A troy pound is lighter than an avoirdupois pound.

Noun

1. any of the unit of the troy system of weights