Gold Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gold
[É¡oÊŠld ]
Definitions
precious metal
Gold is a precious metal that is shiny, yellow in color, and is extremely valuable. It is often used for making jewelry, coins, and other decorative items. Gold is a symbol of wealth and luxury.
Synonyms
bullion, precious metal, yellow metal.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gold |
As seen earlier, this term also commonly appears in artistic and linguistic expressions highlighting something precious or highly valued.
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| precious metal |
This term is used in a broader context to describe metals that are rare and have high economic value, such as gold, silver, and platinum. It is frequently used in industries like jewelry, finance, and manufacturing.
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| bullion |
Used primarily in the context of finance and investment to describe gold bars or ingots that are generally kept as a store of value. It is not typically used in everyday conversation and often appears in financial reports or investment discussions.
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| yellow metal |
This term specifically refers to gold and is often used in more casual or descriptive contexts. It can sometimes be found in poetry, literature, or journalism.
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Examples of usage
- Her necklace was made of pure gold.
- The Olympic medals are made of gold.
highest standard
Gold is also used to describe something of the highest standard or quality. When something is referred to as 'gold', it means it is excellent or top-notch.
Synonyms
excellent, premium, top-notch.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gold |
Use 'gold' when referring to something that has high value or quality, often associated with luxury or wealth. It can also be used in a literal sense to describe the precious metal.
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| excellent |
Use 'excellent' to describe something of very high quality or outstanding performance. This word is suitable for both formal and informal settings.
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| top-notch |
Use 'top-notch' to emphasize the very highest quality, often in a more casual or conversational tone. It is commonly used in various contexts, from products to services to experiences.
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| premium |
Use 'premium' when talking about products or services of superior quality, often implying a higher price. This term is frequently used in marketing and consumer contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The team's performance was gold.
- She has a heart of gold.
to cover with gold
To gold something means to cover it with a thin layer of gold. This process is often used in crafting and decorating items to give them a luxurious appearance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gold |
Used as an adjective to describe the golden color or something that is golden in appearance.
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| gild |
Usually describes the process of applying a thin layer of gold to another material for decorative purposes. It can also be used metaphorically to mean enhancing something unnecessarily.
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| plate with gold |
Refers to the process or result of covering an object with a layer of gold. Commonly used to describe lower-cost items that have a gold appearance.
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Examples of usage
- The artist gold-plated the frame of the mirror.
- She decided to gold-leaf the edges of the table.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Gold has been used for over 5,000 years, and many ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Incas used it to symbolize wealth and divinity.
- The famous King Tutankhamun was buried with fabulous gold items, demonstrating its importance in funerary practices.
- Gold rushes, such as the one in California in 1849, led to migrations and economic booms in many regions.
Science
- Gold is a chemical element with the symbol 'Au' and atomic number 79, making it one of the heaviest non-radioactive metals.
- Unlike other metals, gold does not tarnish or corrode, which is why it is favored for crafting jewelry.
- Gold is often used in electronics due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to oxidation.
Culture
- In many cultures, gold is associated with prosperity, achievement, and celebration, such as gold wedding bands symbolizing everlasting love.
- Olympic medals, awarded to athletes, feature gold as the highest honor, showcasing the pursuit of excellence.
- Traditional Chinese culture values gold as a symbol of luck and fortune, often given during festivals and celebrations.
Economics
- Gold is often seen as a stable investment, especially during economic uncertainty, acting as a 'safe haven' for investors.
- Central banks around the world hold substantial reserves of gold to back their currencies and stabilize economies.
- The price of gold fluctuates based on market demand, inflation rates, and global economic conditions.
Origin of 'gold'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'gold' comes from the Old English 'geolu,' which means 'yellow.'
- In many languages, the word for gold is related to its color, like 'oro' in Spanish and 'or' in French.
- Historical texts often refer to gold in terms of wealth and power, reflecting its significance in ancient cultures.
The word 'gold' has its origins in the Old English word 'geolu', which also meant yellow or golden. Gold has been highly valued and sought after throughout history, with civilizations using it for adornment, currency, and other purposes. The discovery of gold mines and the subsequent gold rushes have shaped economies and societies. Gold continues to be a symbol of wealth, prestige, and quality.
See also: golden.