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Ounce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ounce

[aʊns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

unit of weight

An ounce is a unit of weight equal to 1/16th of a pound or about 28 grams.

Synonyms

oz..

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ounce

Commonly used in informal speech or writing to refer to a small amount, usually when talking about weight or volume.

  • Can I borrow an ounce of sugar?
  • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Examples of usage

  • The recipe calls for two ounces of chocolate.
  • She only had a few ounces of milk left in the carton.
Context #2 | Noun

liquid measurement

An ounce is a unit of volume equal to 1/8 of a cup or about 30 milliliters.

Synonyms

fl oz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ounce

This term is often used to measure weight in the United States. It is commonly used for both everyday items and culinary ingredients.

  • This steak weighs about 8 ounces.
  • Can you add 5 ounces of cheese to the salad?
fl oz

Short for 'fluid ounce,' this term is used to measure volume, especially of liquids. It is frequently used in recipes, beverages, and for measuring liquids in general.

  • The recipe calls for 2 fl oz of olive oil.
  • This bottle holds 16 fl oz of water.

Examples of usage

  • The cocktail recipe requires three ounces of rum.
  • She poured two ounces of olive oil into the pan.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • An ounce is equivalent to about 28.35 grams, a crucial conversion in cooking and laboratory measurements.
  • In hydration recommendations, people often discuss ounces in relation to water intake, helping to communicate health guidelines simply.
  • Science experiments may use ounces to measure liquids in beakers, showcasing its relevance in educational settings.

Culinary Arts

  • Many recipes list ingredient amounts in ounces, making it easier to follow cooking instructions precisely.
  • In baking, accurate measurement is vital, and ounces help bakers maintain consistency across different recipes.
  • Understanding ounces can enhance your cooking skills, as many chefs emphasize the need for precise measurements for perfect results.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' highlights the value of taking small steps to avoid bigger problems, popularized in various media.
  • Ounces are often mentioned in songs or advertisements, signaling the importance of balance in portions, nutrition, or lifestyle choices.
  • Some popular brands and products use ounces in their marketing to convey value, like 'You get 16 ounces of soda!'

Origin of 'ounce'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'ounce' comes from the Latin word 'uncia', meaning a twelfth part, which helped define its role in measuring.
  • Medieval Europe used the 'ounce' for trading, connecting it to various systems of weight, highlighting its historical importance in commerce.
  • In the 14th century, the English adopted the ounce as part of their measurement system, unifying various trade practices.

The word 'ounce' originated from the Latin word 'uncia', which means one twelfth part. It was commonly used in Roman times as a unit of weight. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the unit of weight we know today. The concept of the ounce has been used in various cultures throughout history, each with its own specific measurement. Today, the ounce is a widely recognized unit of measurement in both weight and volume.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,077 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.