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Glite Dictionary
avoirdupois measurement

avoirdupois measurement

9.9
A way to measure weight using a pound of 16 ounces, used in the United States for everyday goods
  • noun
  • /ˌævərˈduːpwɑː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema de medidas avoirdupois
  • One pound in avoirdupois measurement is equal to 16 ounces.

Examples

  • The United States still relies on the avoirdupois measurement system for everyday goods.

  • The avoirdupois measurement system is widely used in the United States.

  • Chemists usually avoid avoirdupois measurement when working with medicines, preferring the metric system.

  • Are you familiar with avoirdupois measurements?

  • The United States still relies on the avoirdupois measurement system for everyday goods.

  • One pound in avoirdupois measurement is equal to 16 ounces.

  • Chemists usually avoid avoirdupois measurement when working with medicines, preferring the metric system.

Synonyms

avoirdupois
vsavoirdupois measurement
  • Specialized
9.9

A system of weights using a 16-ounce pound for common goods

is the phrase stressing its use for ordinary goods not precious items
avoirdupois system
vsavoirdupois measurement
  • Specialized
8.8

A way of measuring weight using a pound of sixteen ounces, used in the United States

is the label emphasizing everyday commodity use rather than precious items
avoirdupois weight
vsavoirdupois measurement
  • Specialized
9.6

A way to measure weight using a 16-ounce pound for everyday goods

is the broader name that highlights historical and regional use

Surface Forms

avoirdupois measurement singular
avoirdupois measurements plural

Morphology

avoirdupois + measurement

If a learner knows 'avoirdupois' as a specific weight system and 'measurement' as an act of quantifying, the phrase simply denotes measurements made using the avoirdupois system. The noun+noun attributive composition is fully compositional and therefore directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Avoirdupois measurement comes from old French words meaning 'goods of weight' because it was the name used when people weighed ordinary items at market. That's why the phrase now means the common system of pounds and ounces used for everyday goods.