avoirdupois weight

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noun

a system of weight measurement based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains, in wide use in English-speaking countries; the system is used for goods other than gems, precious metals, and drugs: 27 11/32 grains = 1 dram; 16 drams = 1 ounce; 16 ounces = 1 pound; 112 pounds (Brit.) or 100 pounds (U.S.) = 1 hundredweight; 20 hundredweight = 1 ton. The pound contains 7000 grains. Abbreviations: av.; avdp.; avoir.

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THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of avoirdupois weight

First recorded in 1610–20

Words nearby avoirdupois weight

avoidance, avoidance play, avoidant, avoid like the plague, avoirdupois, avoirdupois weight, Avon, Avon Lake, à votre santé, avouch, avow

How to use avoirdupois weight in a sentence

Most people give gratitude in grains for whole ounces of avoirdupois weight; what a grateful soul yours is, Miss Lambert.'
Heriot's Choice|Rosa Nouchette Carey
A gallon contains 8.33 pounds avoirdupois weight of distilled water.
Practical Mechanics for Boys|J. S. Zerbe
One must weigh men by avoirdupois weight, and not by the jeweller's scales.
Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources|James Wood
Throughout this book, the pound is avoirdupois weight—sixteen ounces.
Miss Leslie's Lady's New Receipt-Book|Eliza Leslie

One felt that each had measured the other by avoirdupois weight, and had found the balance even.
The Lowest Rung|Mary Cholmondeley

Scientific definitions for avoirdupois weight

avoirdupois weight

[ ăv′ər-də-poiz′ ]

A system of weights and measures based on a pound containing 16 ounces or 7,000 grains, and equal to 453.59 grams. Avoirdupois weight is used in the United States to weigh everything except gems, precious metals, and drugs. Compare troy weight.