aurífero
Lemma Details
Translation: gold-bearing; auriferous; containing gold
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'aurifer', composed of 'aurum' (gold) + '-fer' (bearing, carrying). The English cognate 'auriferous' comes from the same Latin root. This follows the pattern of many scientific and technical terms where Latin roots are used to describe properties or characteristics. The 'aur-' root appears in words like 'aureate' (golden) and 'auric' (relating to gold).
Commonality: 30%
Guessability: 40%
Register: technical
Example Usage
El río transporta sedimentos auríferos desde las montañas.
The river carries gold-bearing sediments from the mountains.
La región tiene varios yacimientos auríferos.
The region has several gold-bearing deposits.
La explotación de terrenos auríferos ha causado daños ambientales.
The exploitation of gold-bearing lands has caused environmental damage.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'auri' (gold) + 'fero' (I carry/bear) = 'I carry gold'
- Connect with English 'auriferous' which means the same thing
- Visualize a river with golden particles being carried in its flow
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in geological, mining, and economic contexts, particularly in countries with significant gold mining industries like Peru, Mexico, and Chile. The term appears in technical reports, academic papers, and news about mining operations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'aurífero' refers to containing gold, 'argentífero' means containing silver (from Latin 'argentum' meaning silver).
This word:
Esta zona es conocida por sus depósitos auríferos.
This area is known for its gold-bearing deposits.
Notes: Both terms are technical geological terms often used in mining contexts.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'auri-' = gold (like 'aurum' on the periodic table), while 'argent-' = silver (like Argentina, named for silver).
Explanation: 'Aurífero' means containing or producing gold, while 'áureo' means made of gold or having a golden color.
This word:
Encontraron un terreno aurífero en la montaña.
They found gold-bearing land in the mountain.
Notes: 'Áureo' is more commonly used in literary or artistic contexts, while 'aurífero' is more technical.
Mnemonic: 'Aurífero' carries (-fero) gold; 'áureo' is gold itself.