AU

1. Symbol Au A soft, yellow, corrosion-resistant element, the most malleable and ductile metal, occurring in veins and alluvial deposits and recovered by mining or by panning or sluicing. A good thermal and electrical conductor, gold is generally alloyed to increase its strength, and it is used as an international monetary standard, in jewelry, for decoration, and as a plated coating on a wide variety of electrical and mechanical components. Atomic number 79; atomic weight 196.967; melting point 1,063.0°C; boiling point 2,966.0°C; specific gravity 19.32; valence 1, 3. See Table at element.

2. Coinage made of this element.

3. A gold standard.

4. A medal made of gold awarded to one placing first in a competition, as in the Olympics: won 9 golds in 13 events.

5. A gold record.

Money; riches.

A light olive-brown to dark yellow, or a moderate, strong to vivid yellow.

Something regarded as having great value or goodness: a heart of gold.

1. A medal made of gold awarded to one placing first in a competition, as in the Olympics: won 9 golds in 13 events.

2. A gold record.