carat
variant spelling of karat
: a unit of fineness for gold equal to 1⁄24 part of pure gold in an alloy
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Definition of carat
: a unit of weight for precious stones equal to 200 milligrams
Origin and Etymology of carat
Middle English carrat measure of fineness in gold, from Medieval French carat measure of fineness in gold or of weight in gems, from Italian carato, from Arabic qīrāṭ bean pod, a small weight, from Greek keration carob bean, a small weight, from diminutive of kerat-, keras horn — more at horn
First Known Use: 1555
CARAT Defined for English Language Learners
carat
playDefinition of carat for English Language Learners
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: a unit for measuring the weight of jewels (such as diamonds) that is equal to 200 milligrams
CARAT Defined for Kids
carat
playDefinition of carat for Students
: a unit of weight for gemstones (as diamonds) equal to 200 milligrams
Learn More about carat
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Spanish Central: Translation of carat Nglish: Translation of carat for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carat
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