a monetary standard solely in terms of gold, in which the basic currency unit is made equal to and redeemable by a specified quantity of gold
See gold standard in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is equal in value to and exchangeable for a specified amount of gold.
A model of excellence; a paragon: “Several generations of the laser have been widely available in Europe; the FDA approved the one now considered the gold standard”(Daniel Goleman).