carat

[ kar-uht ]

noun

1. a unit of weight in gemstones, 200 milligrams (about 3 grains of troy or avoirdupois weight). : c., ct.
2. karat.

carat

/ ˈkærət /

noun

1. a measure of the weight of precious stones, esp diamonds. It was formerly defined as 3.17 grains, but the international carat is now standardized as 0.20 grams
2. Usual US spellingkarat a measure of the proportion of gold in an alloy, expressed as the number of parts of gold in 24 parts of the alloy

Word History and Origins

Origin of carat¹

1545–55; < Medieval Latin carratus (used by alchemists) < Arabic qīrāṭ weight of 4 grains < Greek kerátion carob bean, weight of 3.333 grains, literally, little horn, equivalent to kerat- (stem of kéras ) horn + -ion diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of carat¹

C16: from Old French, from Medieval Latin carratus, from Arabic qīrāt weight of four grains, carat, from Greek keration a little horn, from keras horn

Example Sentences

"We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492 carat diamond," said Lucara head William Lamb.

From BBC

These gold hoop earrings, designed by Nolan, feature diamonds totaling 1 carat.

From Los Angeles Times

Other jewellery in the auction includes a pair of Oscar Heyman of New York diamond encrusted cuff earrings, estimated to sell for £4,000 to £6,000, an Omega De Ville 18ct gold ladies' wristwatch, with an estimate of £2,000 to £3,000, as well as a high carat gold and diamond House of Commons brooch which is expected to fetch £1,000 to £2,000.

From BBC

Before Devin was so famous he was on the end of bars from Lil Yachty and flossin’ with six carat diamond earrings so big he nervously laughed thinking of the price, he was like any other delusional dreamer.

From Los Angeles Times

The 17.61 carat, pear-shaped Bleu Royal diamond, set in a ring, fetched $43.8 million, they said.

From BBC