Pronunciation: [ɡˈə͡ʊld wˈɒʃə] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "gold washer" is /ɡoʊld ˈwɑʃər/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound, while the "ld" combination in the second syllable creates a dark "l" sound. The "a" in the second syllable is pronounced with the "aw" sound, and the final syllable ends with the "er" sound. The term "gold washer" refers to a device used by gold miners to separate gold from dirt or gravel.
A gold washer is a device or mechanism used for extracting gold particles or flakes from sediment, soil, or gravel deposits through the process of washing. It is commonly employed in gold mining or prospecting operations.
Typically consisting of a shallow, rectangular or circular tray-like structure, a gold washer is equipped with riffles or ridges to trap and retain heavy particles such as gold, while allowing lighter materials to be washed away. The tray is usually angled or mounted on a base with adjustable legs to allow for efficient washing and separation.
The process begins with the gold-bearing material being added to the tray along with water, which creates a slurry. The user then agitates the contents of the tray by either shaking or tilting it, causing the water to wash away lighter materials, and the riffles to catch and retain heavier particles, such as gold. With continued washing, the gold particles accumulate in the riffles while the unwanted sediment is gradually eliminated.
Gold washers can vary in size, from being handheld, suitable for small-scale prospecting, to large, mechanized versions employed in industrial-sized mining operations. They are an essential tool for effectively separating gold from sediment or alluvial deposits, as gold is significantly heavier than most other materials it is often found with.
Overall, a gold washer serves as a simple but effective means to recover gold from natural deposits by utilizing gravity and hydrodynamic principles.
The word "gold washer" does not have an established etymology. It appears to be a term that is a combination of the words "gold" and "washer", which are both derived from Old English.
"Gold" originates from the Old English word "geolu" or "gold", which is related to the Latin word "gol(d)is". It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*ghel-", meaning "yellow" or "bright".
"Washer" comes from the Old English word "waescere", meaning "a vat or tub for washing". It is related to the verb "wash" and shares the common Germanic root "*waesk-" or "wash".
As "gold washer" refers to a person or device that washes gold, it can be considered as a compound word derived from these etymological sources.
