electrum

noun

elec·​trum i-ˈlek-trəm How to pronounce electrum (audio)
: a natural pale yellow alloy of gold and silver

Examples of electrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Made of a gold-silver alloy called electrum, one coin was exactly like another—unlike, say, cattle. IEEE Spectrum, 30 May 2012 By the stone’s account, the reign of King Sahure around 2450 BCE saw a very profitable expedition to Punt: around 80,000 measures of myrrh, 6,000 measures of electrum, and equally as much timber and slaves. Miriam Fauzia, Ars Technica, 11 Nov. 2023 Punt had it all—fragrant myrrh and frankincense, precious electrum (a mixed alloy of gold and silver) and malachite, and coveted leopard skins, among other exotic luxury goods. Miriam Fauzia, Ars Technica, 11 Nov. 2023 The Lydians already had been extracting a mixture of metals called electrum from the Pactolus River for use in coins. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electrum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin — more at electric

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrum was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near electrum

Cite this Entry

“Electrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

electrum

noun
elec·​trum i-ˈlek-trəm How to pronounce electrum (audio)
: a natural pale yellow alloy of gold and silver

More from Merriam-Webster on electrum

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