ounce etymology

Etymology:

The word "ounce" comes from the Late Latin word "uncia," which means "a twelfth part."

Meaning:

An ounce is:

• Mass: A unit of mass equal to 1/16 of a pound avoirdupois (approximately 28.35 grams) or 1/12 of a pound troy (approximately 31.103 grams).
• Volume: A unit of volume equal to 1/16 of a pint (approximately 29.573 milliliters). It is commonly used to measure the volume of liquids, particularly in the United States.
• Troy ounce: A unit of mass specifically used for precious metals, equal to 1/12 of a troy pound (approximately 31.103 grams).

Origin:

The word "uncia" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*oin-," meaning "to divide." It is related to the words "one," "unit," and "union." The following linguistic links can be traced:

• Proto-Indo-European *oin- ("to divide")
• Proto-Italic *oini-
• Latin "uncia" ("a twelfth part")
• Old French "unce"
• Middle English "unce"
• Modern English "ounce"

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