Avoirdupois – Definition & Meaning

Avoirdupois is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is still an important concept to understand. It is a term that is often used in the context of weight measurement, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of avoirdupois, its origin, and its associations.

Definitions

Avoirdupois is a system of weights used to measure goods sold by weight, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. The avoirdupois system is based on a pound of 16 ounces, and is used to measure most goods sold by weight, including food, textiles, and metals.

Origin

The word avoirdupois comes from the French phrase “avoir de pois,” which means “goods of weight.” The avoirdupois system was first used in England in the 14th century, and was later adopted by the United States in the 19th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, avoirdupois is defined as “a system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces used for goods other than gems, precious metals, and drugs.”

The Oxford English Dictionary defines avoirdupois as “a system of weights used in the United States and United Kingdom to measure goods sold by weight.”

Associations

Avoirdupois is often associated with the measurement of goods sold by weight, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. It is also associated with the pound and ounce as units of weight measurement.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of avoirdupois include weight, poundage, heaviness, and mass.

Antonyms

Some antonyms of avoirdupois include lightness, flimsiness, and fragility.

The same root words

The root words of avoirdupois are “avoir,” which means “to have” in French, and “de pois,” which means “of weight.” Other words that share these root words include avoir-faire, which means “skill” or “know-how,” and poise, which means “balance” or “composure.”

Example Sentences

1. The avoirdupois system is commonly used to measure goods sold by weight in the United States and United Kingdom.
2. The weight of the package was measured in avoirdupois ounces.
3. The avoirdupois pound is equal to 16 ounces.
4. The avoirdupois system is not commonly used in other parts of the world, where the metric system is more prevalent.