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Glite Dictionary
troy weight

troy weight

9.9
A way of measuring gold, silver, and gems using a pound of 12 ounces
  • noun
  • /trɔɪ weɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : peso troy
  • One troy weight ounce is heavier than a standard ounce.

Examples

  • The jeweler calculated the value of the ring by its troy weight.

  • The ring weighs one troy weight.

  • Gold and silver are traditionally measured using troy weight rather than the standard avoirdupois system.

  • How many troy weights are in a pound?

  • Gold is typically measured using troy weight to ensure accurate pricing.

  • When assessing the value of gemstones, jewelers often refer to troy weight standards.

  • The troy weight system helps in determining the precise amount of precious metals in a collection.

Synonyms

troy
vstroy weight
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A system of weights for gold and silver where a pound has 12 ounces

is identical in meaning and usage for measuring precious metals and gems
apothecaries' weight
vstroy weight
  • Archaic
9.9

A system of old weights used in pharmacies where an ounce is 480 grains and a pound is 12 ounces

is the system used for measuring precious metals rather than pharmacy weights

Surface Forms

troy weight singular
troy weights plural

Morphology

troy + weight

The noun is compositionally built: 'troy' names a specialised system used for metals and gemstones and 'weight' denotes a measure, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to a particular system of weighing precious materials. However, the precise conventions (12-ounce pound, 480-grain ounce) and the historical/technical sense of 'troy' are specialized and not predictable from common knowledge, so the transparency is only partial.

Etymology

The noun troy weight may come from the name of the French market town Troyes, where long ago merchants used a special set of weights at fairs to measure coins and jewels. That's why troy weight today means the 'system of weights' used for precious metals.