Definitions for: Carat


[n] the unit of measurement for the proportion of gold in an alloy; 18-karat gold is 75% gold; 24-karat gold is pure gold
[n] a unit of weight for precious stones = 200 mg



Webster (1913) Definition: Car"at (k[a^]r"[a^]t), n. [F. carat (cf. It. carato,
OPg. quirate, Pg. & Sp. quilate), Ar. q[imac]r[=a]t bean or
pea shell, a weight of four grains, a carat, fr. Gr.
kera`tion a little horn, the fruit of the carob tree, a
weight, a carat. See Horn.]
1. The weight by which precious stones and pearls are
weighed.

Note: The carat equals three and one fifth grains Troy, and
is divided into four grains, sometimes called carat
grains. Diamonds and other precious stones are
estimated by carats and fractions of carats, and
pearls, usually, by carat grains. --Tiffany.

2. A twenty-fourth part; -- a term used in estimating the
proportionate fineness of gold.

Note: A mass of metal is said to be so many carats fine,
according to the number of twenty-fourths of pure gold
which it contains; as, 22 carats fine (goldsmith's
standard) = 22 parts of gold, 1 of copper, and 1 of
silver.

Synonyms: Karat

See Also: decigram, dg, g, gm, gram, gramme, metric weight unit, unit, unit of measurement, weight unit

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