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libra

1
[ lahy-bruh, lee- ]
/ ˈlaɪ brə, ˈli- /
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noun, plural li·brae [lahy-bree, lee-brahy]. /ˈlaɪ bri, ˈli braɪ/.
the ancient Roman pound (containing 5053 grains or 327.4 grams).
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Origin of libra

1
1350–1400; Middle English <Latin lībra

Other definitions for libra (2 of 3)

libra2
[ lee-vrah ]
/ ˈli vrɑ /

noun, plural li·bras [lee-vrahs]. /ˈli vrɑs/.

Origin of libra

2
<Spanish <Latin lībralibra1

Other definitions for libra (3 of 3)

Libra
[ lee-bruh, lahy- ]
/ ˈli brə, ˈlaɪ- /

noun, genitive Li·brae [lee-brahy, lahy-bree] /ˈli braɪ, ˈlaɪ bri/ for 1.
Astronomy. the Balance, a zodiacal constellation between Virgo and Serpens.
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.

Origin of Libra

1350–1400; Middle English <Latin lībra literally, pair of scales, libra1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT LIBRAN

What does Libran mean?

A Libran is someone whose zodiac sign is Libra. Such a person can also simply be called or refer to themself as a Libra.

Libran can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to the zodiac sign or to the constellation that it’s named for.

The constellation Libra is a group of stars generally interpreted as representing a pair of scales. It is also known as the Scales or the Balance.

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.

In astrology, 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 who are Librans are those born between September 23 and October 22.

Example: My birthday is in October, so I’m a Libran.

Where does Libran come from?

The first records of the word Libran in English come from the early 1900s. It comes from the Latin word lībra, referring to a pair of scales. The suffix -an is used to form adjectives and nouns.

In astrology, the different signs of the zodiac are thought to be associated with certain personality traits. Traits associated with Librans include diplomacy and vengefulness (the scales of justice).

Get more insight into what really defines a Libran by visiting our article on the many traits of Librans.

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What are some other forms related to Libran?

What are some synonyms for Libran?

What are some words that share a root or word element with Libran

What are some words that often get used in discussing Libran?

How is Libran used in real life?

The word Libran is typically used in the context of astrology, including as a way for people whose zodiac sign is Libra to identify themselves.

 

 

Try using Libran!

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A person whose sign is Libra can be called a Libran or a Libra.

How to use libra in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for libra (1 of 2)

libra
/ (ˈlaɪbrə) /

noun plural -brae (-briː)
an ancient Roman unit of weight corresponding to 1 pound, but equal to about 12 ounces

Word Origin for libra

C14: from Latin, literally: scales

British Dictionary definitions for libra (2 of 2)

Libra
/ (ˈliːbrə) /

noun Latin genitive Librae (ˈliːbriː)
astronomy a small faint zodiacal constellation in the S hemisphere, lying between Virgo and Scorpius on the ecliptic
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
adjective
astrology born under or characteristic of Libra
Also (for senses 2b, 3): Libran (ˈlɪbrən)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for libra

Libra
[ lēbrə ]

A constellation in the Southern Hemisphere near Scorpius and Virgo. Libra (the Scales or Balance) is the seventh sign of the zodiac.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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