I. noun
: a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of gold and that is usually characterized by the coinage and circulation of gold, unrestricted convertibility of other money into gold, and the free export and import of gold for the settlement of international obligations — compare gold bullion standard , gold-exchange standard , managed currency , standard of value
II. noun
: something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged : benchmark