étalon

Étalon is a French word that translates to "stallion" in English. It specifically refers to an adult male horse that has not been castrated. In equestrian contexts, an étalon is a breeding animal, valued for its strength, conformation, and genetic lineage. The term is also used metaphorically to describe something that is a standard or a benchmark against which others are measured. For example, a particularly fine piece of craftsmanship might be referred to as an étalon of quality.

The word "étalon" can also refer to a standard measure, such as a unit of length or weight, used for calibration and comparison. This meaning is derived from the historical use of physical objects, often made of metal, to represent a definitive unit of measurement. These physical standards were essential for trade, science, and engineering, ensuring consistency and accuracy across different applications. In metrology, the science of measurement, the concept of an étalon remains crucial for defining and maintaining units of measurement.