placer /ˈpleɪsə(ɹ)/noun 4/ˈplæsə(ɹ)/ noun 2/ˈplæsə(ɹ)/ adjective 1forms 1 noun4 •[in compounds] A horse, etc. that finishes in a particular place in a race. •One who places or arranges something.Thou placer of plants both humble and tall — 1579 •(slang) One who deals in stolen goods; a fence. •(Australia, New-Zealand) A lamb whose mother has died and which has transferred its attachment to an object, such as a bush or rock, in the locality.In Australia “placer” lambs are also destroyed, for these too are of little use; they will return constantly to one place, not staying with the flock. — 1971 placer /ˈplæsə(ɹ)/ noun2 •A place where the superficial detritus is washed for gold, etc. •Any place holding treasures. adjective1 •alluvial; occurring in a deposit of sand or earth on a river-bed or bank, particularly with reference to precious metals such as gold or silverPlacer gold comes from the weathering of the primary veins releasing the gold to be transported by water action and concentrated in gravel or sand beds. — 1995 formsplacers
