avoirdupois weight

American  

noun

1. 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. av.; avdp.; avoir.

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avoirdupois weight Scientific  

/ ăv′ər-də-poiz′ /

1. 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.

2. Compare troy weight

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Etymology

Origin of avoirdupois weight

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

Most people give gratitude in grains for whole ounces of avoirdupois weight; what a grateful soul yours is, Miss Lambert.'

From Heriot's Choice A Tale by Carey, Rosa Nouchette

Of lemon-thyme,Winter savoury,Sweet marjoram,Sweet basil,—half an ounce of each.Lemon-peel grated, two drachms.Eschalots, the same.Celery-seed, a drachm, avoirdupois weight.

From The Cook's Oracle; and Housekeeper's Manual by Kitchiner, William

All these accounts are in avoirdupois weight, and Irish money.

From Essays; Political, Economical, and Philosophical — Volume 1 by Rumford, Benjamin, Graf von

A gallon contains 8.33 pounds avoirdupois weight of distilled water.

From Practical Mechanics for Boys by Zerbe, James Slough

It should not be confused with avoirdupois weight, however, because its pound contains only 12 ounces, whereas the avoirdupois pound contains 16 ounces.

From Woman's Institute Library of Cookery Volume 1: Essentials of Cookery; Cereals; Bread; Hot Breads by Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences