ounce

UK: aʊns | US: aʊns

Definition

  1. n. a unit of weight equal to 1/16 of a pound (approximately 28 grams)

  2. n. a very small amount; a trace

Structure

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Etymology

The word "ounce" traces back to the Latin uncia, meaning "a twelfth part" (originally referring to 1/12 of a Roman pound or foot). It entered English via Old French unce in the 14th century. The term was later recalibrated to 1/16 of a pound in the avoirdupois system. The figurative sense of "a tiny quantity" emerged by the 16th century, reflecting its small measure.

Examples

  1. The recipe calls for four ounces of chocolate.

  2. He didn't have an ounce of energy left after the marathon.

  3. Add just an ounce of salt to the mixture.

  4. The newborn kitten weighed less than three ounces.

  5. There wasn't an ounce of truth in his excuse.