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  

[play-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”; see plaza

Origin of placer²

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

placer

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

Simonson, a conference placer in diving, has been accepted academically to go to Notre Dame.

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

A five-time championship finalist and Top 8 placer in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke his first three seasons, McGinnis has a second-place state finish in the back as a sophomore to his credit.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 14, 2015

So I’m for looking up that placer on upper Burntwood Creek.

From Golden Face A Tale of the Wild West by Bertram Mitford

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