Bullion
/ˈbʊl.jən/noun
Gold or silver in bulk form, valued by weight rather than by currency.
Did you know?The term 'bullion' is derived from the Old French word for 'boil', signifying the melting of metals into bars, a ritual of transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
bulla
“A rounded object or seal, often used to mark something valuable.”
Old French
Old French
bouillon
“To boil; the process of melting metal.”
Middle English
Middle English
bullion
“Melted metal, especially gold or silver.”
Modern English
Modern English
bullion
“Referring specifically to precious metals in bulk form.”