Gōld, n.

n. [A-S., O. Sax., & Ger. gold, Sw. & Dan. guld, Icel. gull, Goth. gulth, D. goud, allied to Russ. zoloto, Slav. zlato.]

1. A precious metal of a reddish yellow color, and metallic luster. It is remarkable for its ductility and malleability, and also as occurring in a metallic state in nature. It is one of the heaviest of the metals, and not being subject to oxidation or other change from exposure to the atmosphere, is well fitted to be used as coin. It is not acted upon by acids, but readily forms alloys. Gold occurs in metamorphic rocks, and usually in quartz veins: by the decomposition or degradation of these, it is found in more recent alluvial soils.
2. Money; riches; wealth.

For me the gold of France did not seduce. Shak. 3. A yellow color, like that of the metal; as, a flower tipped with gold. Fulminating gold. See FULMINATE. — Jeweler's gold, an alloy containing three parts of gold to one of copper. — Mosaic gold, an amalgam of tin and mercury, used for gilding wood and paper; — called also aurum mosaicum, and aurum musivum. ☞ Formerly often pronounced goold.