What does the term 'gauge' refer to when discussing metals?

The term 'gauge' when discussing metals specifically refers to the measurement of thickness. In the context of metalworking and manufacturing, gauge is a standardized measurement that defines how thick or thin a particular sheet of metal is. A lower gauge number indicates a thicker piece of metal, while a higher gauge number signifies a thinner metal sheet.

This concept is crucial in various industries, including funeral service merchandising, as the thickness of metals used in caskets, urns, and other memorial products can affect both durability and appearance. Understanding gauge helps professionals select the appropriate materials for their products, ensuring quality and longevity.

The other options do pertain to different measurements but are not applicable in the context of metals. Weight measures how heavy a material is, length pertains to how long an object measures, and temperature relates to heat levels, none of which directly relate to the thickness of metals.