quilate

carat

noun kee-LAH-teh Rare

Origin: From Arabic qīrāṭ, from Greek kerátion 'carob seed'.

Usage Note

Quilate is the unit of purity for gold (24 quilates = pure gold) and of weight for gemstones (1 quilate = 0.2 g). The Arabic origin reflects the gem and gold trade of medieval Iberia. Figuratively, de muchos quilates means 'of great quality or worth' — a compliment in Spain.

Examples

"Este anillo es de oro de dieciocho quilates."

Natural Translation

This ring is made of eighteen-carat gold.

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