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cubit

/kjuːbɪt/ noun · British & US
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What does cubit mean?

The cubit is an ancient unit of length that was used in Egypt and Mesopotamia. It is approximately equal to the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The cubit was a common unit of measurement for building pyramids and other structures. It was used in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and was an important part of the measurement system in these cultures. The cubit is still studied by historians and archaeologists today, who use it to understand the measurement systems of ancient cultures. The cubit is a useful unit of measurement for understanding the scale and proportions of ancient buildings and structures. It is also an important part of the history of mathematics and measurement. The cubit is a fascinating topic that continues to be studied and learned about today.

noun

A unit of length in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, approximately equal to the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.

Senses
  1. A unit of length in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
Example

"The pyramid's base was designed to be a square with sides of 440 cubits."

More examples

"The ancient Egyptians used the cubit as a standard unit of measurement for building pyramids."

"The length of a cubit was approximately equal to the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger."

Plural cubits

The plural form of the cubit is used to describe multiple units of length.

Example

"The ancient Egyptians used cubits to measure the length of their pyramids."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymology of cubit

The cubit originated in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where it was used as a unit of length. The word 'cubit' comes from the Latin word 'cubitus', which means 'elbow'. The cubit was used for building pyramids and other structures, and was an important part of the measurement system in these cultures. The cubit is still studied by historians and archaeologists today, who use it to understand the measurement systems of ancient cultures.

Usage notes

The cubit was a common unit of measurement in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and was used for building pyramids and other structures.

Synonyms for cubit

Rhymes with cubit