troy pound
Definition
- Noun:
- A unit of apothecary weight: The "troy pound" is a specific unit of mass used traditionally in the apothecary system and for precious metals. It is equal to 12 troy ounces or approximately 373.242 grams.
Usage
- The "troy pound" is used to measure mass, specifically in contexts involving precious metals (like gold and silver) and historically in pharmacy.
- It is part of the troy weight system, which is distinct from the more common avoirdupois system (where a pound is 16 ounces and approximately 453.592 grams).
- Example: "The gold bar was measured to be exactly one troy pound."
Examples
- Noun:
- The ancient recipe called for a troy pound of a rare herb.
- In bullion trading, large quantities are sometimes quoted per troy pound.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The troy pound was the basis for the British coinage system before decimalization. The unit is named after the French market town of Troyes.
- Modern Application: While largely superseded by the metric system, the troy pound and its subdivisions (the troy ounce and pennyweight) remain standard units for quoting the mass and price of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum on global markets.
Variants and Related Words
- Troy ounce (n): A unit in the same system, equal to 1/12 of a troy pound (approximately 31.1035 grams). This is the more commonly used unit today.
- Pennyweight (dwt) (n): A smaller unit in the troy system, equal to 1/20 of a troy ounce.
- Avoirdupois pound (n): The more common pound used for everyday weight measurements, equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces (approximately 453.592 grams).
Synonyms
- Apothecaries' pound: A synonymous term, emphasizing its use in the apothecary trade.
Notes
- The troy pound is not commonly used in everyday contexts. The troy ounce is the predominant unit from this system in contemporary use.
- It is critical not to confuse the troy pound with the more familiar avoirdupois pound, as they represent different masses.
Noun
-
an apothecary weight equal to 12 ounces or 373.242 grams
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