troy ounce
Definition
Noun: - A unit of weight in the troy system: A troy ounce is a unit of mass used primarily for precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. It is equal to 480 grains or exactly 31.1034768 grams. - A specific fraction of a troy pound: One troy ounce is defined as one twelfth of a troy pound.
Usage
The term "troy ounce" is used almost exclusively in contexts involving the weighing and trading of precious metals and gemstones. It is distinct from the more common avoirdupois ounce.
Examples
- Noun:
- The price of gold is quoted per troy ounce.
- The silver bar weighed exactly 100 troy ounces.
- One troy ounce is heavier than one avoirdupois ounce.
Advanced Usage
- "troy ounce" vs. "ounce": In standard measurement (avoirdupois system), an ounce is 28.3495 grams. A troy ounce is approximately 10% heavier. Therefore, it is critical to specify "troy ounce" in precious metals contexts to avoid confusion.
- Symbol: The troy ounce is often abbreviated as "oz t" or "t oz" to distinguish it from the avoirdupois ounce ("oz").
Variants and Related Words
- Troy weight (n): The system of units of mass that includes the grain, pennyweight (24 grains), troy ounce (480 grains), and troy pound (12 troy ounces).
- Avoirdupois ounce (n): The common ounce used for most other goods, equal to 28.3495 grams or 1/16 of an avoirdupois pound.
Synonyms
- Apothecaries' ounce: Historically, the troy ounce was also used in the apothecaries' system for weighing medicines. This term is now largely obsolete.
Related Phrases
- Fine troy ounce: Often used to specify the amount of pure precious metal in an item, as opposed to its total weight which may include alloys.
- The coin contains one fine troy ounce of gold.
Noun
-
a unit of apothecary weight equal to 480 grains or one twelfth of a pound
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