carat

Definition

A metric unit of mass equal to exactly 200 mg, chiefly used for measuring precious stones and pearls.

Etymology

From Middle French carat, from Italian carato, from Arabic قِيرَاط (qīrāṭ, “carat, similarly small units such as inches”), from Ancient Greek κεράτιον (kerátion, “hornlet, carob seed”), from κέρας (kéras, “horn”) + -ιον (-ion, diminutive suffix). Doublet of quilate.

Example Sentences

• "18-carat gold is 75% gold by mass. 24-carat gold is pure."