Auric

/ˈɔːrɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or containing gold, especially used in chemistry to describe gold compounds in its trivalent state.

Etymology

From Latin 'aureus' (golden), derived from 'aurum' (gold), with the chemical suffix '-ic' added to indicate a particular oxidation state in gold compounds.

Kelly Says

Chemists distinguish between 'auric' (gold with +3 charge) and 'aurous' (gold with +1 charge)—it's like gold having different personalities depending on how many electrons it loses!

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