libra

[ lahy-bruh, lee- ]

noun,plural li·brae

[lahy-bree, lee-brahy]. /ˈlaɪ bri, ˈli braɪ/.

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

Origin of libra

1350–1400; Middle English <Latin lībra

Other definitions for libra (2 of 3)

libra²

[ lee-vrah ]

noun,plural li·bras

[lee-vrahs]. /ˈli vrɑs/.

sol³ (def. 2).

Origin of libra

<Spanish <Latin lībralibra¹

Other definitions for Libra (3 of 3)

Libra

[ lee-bruh, lahy- ]

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

How to use libra in a sentence

On being fused with twenty-three libras of lead, nothing was obtained from the said assay.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624 | Various
Item reliquit societati Sanct Mari de Certaldo libras quinque florenorum parvorum.
Giovanni Boccaccio, a Biographical Study | Edward Hutton
Et quando Rogerius Bigot eos rehabuit dederunt similiter 20 libras.
Domesday Book and Beyond | Frederic William Maitland
Along the sides they carried five falcons, firing balls of six libras.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898: Volume XVII, 1609-1616 | Various
For a beginning, he offered an iron piece that uses a ball weighing three libras, which he handed over to the said adjutant Eras.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume 29 of 55 | Various

British Dictionary definitions for libra (1 of 2)

libra

/ (ˈlaɪbrə) /

nounplural -brae (-briː)

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

Origin of libra

C14: from Latin, literally: scales

British Dictionary definitions for Libra (2 of 2)

Libra

/ (ˈliːbrə) /

nounLatin genitive Librae (ˈliːbriː)

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

[ lē′brə ]

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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