Definition of "plating" [plat•ing]

• A thin layer of metal, such as gold or silver, deposited on or applied to a surface. (noun)
• A coating of metal sheets or plates. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Gold plating is widely used in many quality pieces."
• "The package, described by analysts as "economic armor-plating", is unlikely to be required in its entirety, but provides a buffer against unexpected volatility or currency speculation."
• "The plain gilt button, which was extensively used in the early part of the present century, was made from an alloy called plating metal, which contained a larger proportion of copper and less zinc than ordinary brass."