ounce

Middle English

/ˈuːns(ə)/

noun
Definitions
  • An ounce unit with much variation, but generally equivalent to 1/12 or 1/16 of a pound
  • (rare) A shekel ancient measure of weight
  • (rare) A minuscule or insignificant amount or quantity.
  • (rare) An eight-minute unit for measuring time.
  • (rare) A three-inch unit for measuring length.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French once derived from Old French once derived from Latin uncia (twelfth part, ounce, one-twelfth part, 1 12 part, inch, a twelth, a twelfth part).

Origin

Latin

uncia

Gloss

twelfth part, ounce, one-twelfth part, 1 12 part, inch, a twelth, a twelfth part

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms