Bullion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bullion
[ˈbʊljən ]
Definitions
precious metal
Gold or silver in bulk before coining, or valued by weight.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bullion |
Same as the first 'bullion' entry.
|
| precious metal |
An umbrella term for high-value metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Used broadly, often in economics, jewelry, and manufacturing industries.
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| ingot |
Refers to a block of metal, usually rectangular, that has been cast in a standardized shape for storage and transportation. Often used in manufacturing or trade.
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Examples of usage
- Gold bullion is often used as a safe investment.
- She inherited a collection of silver bullion from her grandmother.
finance
Gold or silver considered in mass rather than in value.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bullion |
This seems to be a repeated word. Please double-check the input. |
| reserve |
Often used to discuss funds or supplies kept for future use or emergency situations. Frequently used in financial contexts or when talking about natural resources.
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| stockpile |
Refers to a large accumulated stock of goods or materials, typically used in contexts where preparation for shortage or emergency is emphasized. It can have a slight negative connotation when implying hoarding or unnecessary accumulation.
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Examples of usage
- The bank vault held a significant amount of bullion.
- The country's reserves included a large quantity of silver bullion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Throughout history, many civilizations, including the Romans and Egyptians, used bullion as a form of wealth storage and trade.
- During the 19th century, the Gold Rush in America made bullion extremely sought after, as people sought to become wealthy by mining gold.
- The establishment of the Gold Standard in the 19th century tied the value of currency directly to bullion, making it a cornerstone of global finance.
Economics
- In modern finance, bullion markets play a crucial role in determining the global price of gold and silver through supply and demand.
- Investors often buy bullion as a way to hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, viewing it as a 'safe haven' asset.
- Central banks hold large reserves of bullion as part of their monetary policy, underlining its importance in global economics.
Cultural Significance
- Bullion is often featured in literature and film as a symbol of wealth and power, representing the allure of riches.
- Many rituals and traditions across cultures involve offerings of gold as a means of seeking favor or blessings, highlighting its cultural significance.
- In various folklore tales, treasure chests filled with bullion serve as a common trope representing adventure and fortune.
Current Trends
- In recent years, the demand for bullion has surged due to increased interest in cryptocurrency and economic volatility.
- Sustainable and socially responsible investing has led to an increase in ethical sourcing for bullion, aiming to ensure it is mined responsibly.
- Online platforms and apps are now allowing everyday consumers to buy and trade bullion easily, democratizing access to precious metals.
Origin of 'bullion'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'bullion' comes from the Old French term 'bouillon,' which means 'to boil,' originally relating to the melting of metals.
- In medieval times, the melting of precious metals to create coins was a common practice, leading to the term's evolution.
- Initially, 'bullion' referred specifically to gold and silver in forms other than coins.
The word 'bullion' originated from the Old French word 'bouillon', which meant 'boiling'. In the 13th century, it began to be used to refer to the boiling of gold and silver to extract the pure metal. Over time, the term evolved to specifically refer to the precious metals in bulk or mass. Bullion has been used for centuries as a form of currency, investment, and trade.