carat

UK: ˈkærət | US: ˈkærət

Definition

  1. n. a unit of weight for precious stones and pearls, equal to 200 milligrams

  2. n. a measure of the purity of gold, with 24 carats being pure gold

Structure
car <seed or fruit>at <suffix indicating unit>car <seed or fruit>at <suffix indicating unit>
Etymology

The word "carat" traces back to the ancient practice of using carob seeds as counterweights for measuring gemstones. The Greek keration (little horn) referred to the shape of these seeds, which were remarkably consistent in weight. Through Arabic and Medieval Latin, the term evolved into a standardized unit for gemstones and gold purity, retaining its core association with precision and measurement.

Examples

  1. The diamond weighed exactly 2 carats.

  2. Her engagement ring is made of 18-carat gold.

  3. The jeweler confirmed the ruby was 5 carats.

  4. Pure gold is 24 carats.

  5. The auction listed the emerald at 3.5 carats.