libra

¹ American  

[lahy-bruh, lee-] / ˈlaɪ brə, ˈli- /

noun

plural

librae

1. the ancient Roman pound (containing 5053 grains or 327.4 grams).

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libra ² American  

[lee-vrah] / ˈli vrɑ /

noun

plural

libras

1. sol.

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Libra ³ American  

[lee-bruh, lahy-] / ˈli brə, ˈlaɪ- /

noun

genitive

Librae

1. Astronomy. the Balance, a zodiacal constellation between Virgo and Serpens.

2. Astrology.

   1. the seventh sign of the zodiac: the cardinal air sign.

   2. Also Libran. a person born under this sign, usually between September 23rd and October 22nd.

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libra ¹ British  

/ ˈlaɪbrə /

noun

1. an ancient Roman unit of weight corresponding to 1 pound, but equal to about 12 ounces

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Libra ² British  

/ ˈliːbrə /

noun

1. astronomy a small faint zodiacal constellation in the S hemisphere, lying between Virgo and Scorpius on the ecliptic

2. astrology

   1. Also called: the Scales.   the Balance.  the seventh sign of the zodiac, symbol ♎, having a cardinal air classification and ruled by the planet Venus. The sun is in this sign between about Sept 23 and Oct 22

   2. a person born under this sign

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adjective

1. astrology born under or characteristic of Libra

Libra Scientific  

/ lē′brə /

1. A constellation in the Southern Hemisphere near Scorpius and Virgo. Libra (the Scales or Balance) is the seventh sign of the zodiac.

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Usage

What does Libra mean? Libra is the name of a constellation that is interpreted as representing a pair of scales. It is also known as the Scales or the Balance.A constellation is a group of stars that appear near each other in the sky—especially a group that has been given a name. Libra is considered one of the 12 zodiacal constellations—constellations that appear within a particular portion of the sky called the zodiac.In astronomy, the zodiac is the band of sky along which the paths of the sun, the moon, and the planets appear to move.Despite its basis in astronomy, the word zodiac is mainly associated with and most often used in the context of astrology, the nonscientific practice in which the positions of heavenly bodies at certain times are thought to influence or be correlated with human behavior and events. In astrology, zodiac refers to a diagram (often a circular one) representing the zodiac belt and showing the symbols associated with each of the 12 constellations or sections, which are called the signs of the zodiac. Libra is one of these signs. It is situated between Virgo and Scorpio and is considered the seventh sign of the zodiac.The other signs of the zodiac are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.The position of the sun in a particular portion of the zodiac at the moment of a person’s birth is thought to correlate with their personality. This is what people are referring to when they talk about their zodiac sign (or star sign or often just sign). People whose sign is Libra are those born between September 23 and October 22.The word Libra can be used as a noun to refer to someone who is born during this time, as in I was born in late October, so I’m a Libra. The word Libran can be used to mean the same thing. It can also be used as an adjective form of Libra.Example: Oh, your birthday is in October? Are you a Libra?

Etymology

Origin of libra¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin lībra

Origin of libra²

< Spanish < Latin lībra libra ¹

Origin of Libra³

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin lībra literally, pair of scales, libra ¹

Example Sentences

In the exhausted liquation cakes there remain a third of a libra and a semi-uncia of silver.

From De Re Metallica, Translated from the First Latin Edition of 1556 by Agricola, Georgius

The third consists of three librae of vitriol, one of saltpetre, half a libra of asbestos, and half a libra of baked bricks.

From De Re Metallica, Translated from the First Latin Edition of 1556 by Agricola, Georgius

And if I have succeeded in making good this position we no longer stand in need of a precedent for the same reading in the case of—"In menez libra."

From Notes and Queries, Number 85, June 14, 1851 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Geneologists, etc. by Various

Or else a libra of the powder prepared from such metalliferous concentrates, half a libra of saltpetre, and a quarter of a libra of salt are heated until they melt.

From De Re Metallica, Translated from the First Latin Edition of 1556 by Agricola, Georgius

The lead which liquates from these cakes weighs seven centumpondia, in each centumpondium of which there is a quarter of a libra of silver and a little more than a sicilicus.

From De Re Metallica, Translated from the First Latin Edition of 1556 by Agricola, Georgius