placer 1
/plas"euhr/ , n. Mining.
1. a surficial mineral deposit formed by the concentration of small particles of heavy minerals, as gold, rutile, or platinum, in gravel or small sands.
2. the site of a form of mining (placer mining) in which a placer deposit is washed to separate the gold or other valuable minerals.
[ 1835-45, Amer.; placel, deriv. of plaza open place; see PLAZA ]
placer 2
/play"seuhr/ , n.
1. a person who sets things in their place or arranges them.
2. a person or animal that is among the winners of a race or other contest.
[ 1570-80; PLACE + -ER 1 ]