placer

¹ American  

[plas-er] / ˈplæs ər /

noun

Mining.

1. a surficial mineral deposit formed by the concentration of small particles of heavy minerals, as gold, rutile, or platinum, in gravel or small sands.

2. the site of a form of mining placer mining in which a placer deposit is washed to separate the gold or other valuable minerals.

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placer ² American  

[pley-ser] / ˈpleɪ sər /

noun

1. a person who sets things in their place or arranges them.

2. a person or animal that is among the winners of a race or other contest.

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placer British  

/ ˈplæsə /

noun

1. 1. surface sediment containing particles of gold or some other valuable mineral

   2. ( in combination )

      placer-mining

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placer Scientific  

/ plăs′ər /

1. A surface deposit of minerals, such as gold or magnetite, laid down by a river. The minerals are usually concentrated in one area because they are relatively heavy and therefore settle out of the river's currents more quickly than lighter sediments such as silt and sand.

2. ◆ The extraction of minerals from placers, as by panning, washing, or dredging, is called placer mining.

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Etymology

Origin of placer¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1835–45; from Latin American Spanish; Spanish: “sandbank,” from Catalan placel, derivative of plaza “open place”; plaza

Origin of placer²

First recorded in 1570–80; place + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Here’s the thing with California’s oranges: The California gold rush, smack in the middle of the 19th century, was an enormous splash in the placer pan.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2024

Metzger, a state qualifier a year ago and a conference placer, is also set to go to Michigan.

From Washington Times • Mar. 8, 2021

Mr. Tremblay began placer mining a few years ago, a passion he admitted is stoked more by the thrill of discovery than the prospect of striking it rich.

From New York Times • Oct. 15, 2017

The placer gold, the gold that had been washed down the mountains into streams and rivers, was quickly exhausted, and what remained was deep below ground.

From Textbooks • Dec. 30, 2014

The United States has constructed an elaborate system for the disposal of its public lands to individuals, under various classifications, such as homestead, desert land, timber and stone, timber culture, coal, placer, and lode claims.

From The Business of Mining A brief non-technical exposition of the principles involved in the profitable operation of mines by Hoskin, Arthur J.

Related Words

• double
• runner-up