Troy
1 synonym for Troy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Describing the traditional system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones, in which a pound equals twelve ounces rather than sixteen.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use Troy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
troy ounce
troy weight
Etymology
Thought to come from Troyes, a French market town whose local weight standard spread across medieval European trade.
Full origin of Troy →Frequently asked questions
What does “Troy” mean?
The word “Troy” means describing the traditional system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones, in which a pound equals twelve ounces rather than sixteen. In plain terms, the special weight scale used for gold, silver, and gems.
How do you pronounce “Troy”?
“Troy” is pronounced troy (/tɹɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Troy” in a sentence?
Here is “Troy” used in a sentence: “Gold bars are priced by the troy ounce, not the ordinary ounce used for groceries.”
What is another word for “Troy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “Troy” include Ilium.
What part of speech is “Troy”?
“Troy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “Troy” come from?
The word “Troy” comes from French. Thought to come from Troyes, a French market town whose local weight standard spread across medieval European trade.
Is “Troy” a common word?
“Troy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a troy ounce and a standard ounce?
A troy ounce is used for precious metals and gemstones and is slightly heavier than the standard (avoirdupois) ounce used for everyday goods. Because they are not the same weight, gold and silver measured in troy ounces cannot be directly compared with ordinary kitchen or postal ounces.
Why are gold and silver measured in troy weight?
Troy weight is the traditional system for weighing precious metals and gemstones, giving a consistent standard for valuable materials. In this system a pound contains twelve ounces rather than the sixteen ounces of the everyday system.
Is a troy pound heavier than a normal pound?
No. A troy pound is actually lighter overall because it contains only twelve ounces, compared with the sixteen ounces in a standard pound. Each individual troy ounce, however, is a little heavier than a standard ounce.
