NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Pound (unit of weight)

The pound (abbreviations: lb or, sometimes in the United States, #) is a unit of mass in a number of different systems, including various systems of units of mass that formed part of English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. Its size can vary from system to system. The most commonly used pound today is the international avoirdupois pound. Number sign in Arial font Number sign is the preferred Unicode name for the glyph or symbol # (Do not confuse with â™¯ (Sharp)). The name was chosen from several used in the United States and Canada. ... The former Weights and Measures office in Middlesex, England. ... Unsolved problems in physics: What causes anything to have mass? The U.S. National Prototype Kilogram, which currently serves as the primary standard for measuring mass in the U.S. Mass is the property of a physical object that quantifies the amount of matter and energy it is equivalent to. ... English unit is an American term that refers to a unit in one of a number of systems of units of measurement, some obsolete, and some still in use. ... The Imperial units or the Imperial system is a collection of English units, first defined in the Weights and Measures Act of 1824, later refined (until 1959) and reduced. ... U.S. customary units, commonly known in the United States as English unitsâ€”but see English unitâ€”or standard units, are units of measurement that are currently used in the USA, in some cases alongside units from SI (the International System of Unitsâ€”the modern metric system). ... The avoirdupois system is a system of weights defining terms such as pound and ounce. ...

The distinction between mass and weight (or force), and its development, is discussed in the article on weight. In some circumstances, the pound is used as the name of a unit of force. That usage is discussed in the article on pound-force (a unit of force based on a mass of one (avoirdupois) pound and the acceleration of gravity at the surface of the Earth). In the physical sciences, weight is a measurement of the gravitational force acting on an object. ... In physics, force is an influence that may cause a body to accelerate. ... The pound-force is a non-SI unit of force or weight (properly abbreviated lbf or lbf). The pound-force is equal to a mass of one pound multiplied by the standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth (which is defined as exactly 9. ... Gravity is a force of attraction that acts between bodies that have mass. ... Adjectives: Terrestrial, Terran, Telluric, Tellurian, Earthly Atmosphere Surface pressure: 101. ...

International pound

The international avoirdupois pound is equal to exactly 453.59237 grams. The definition of the international pound was agreed by the United States and countries of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1958. The avoirdupois system is a system of weights defining terms such as pound and ounce. ... BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ... The Commonwealth of Nations (CN), usually known as The Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 53 independent sovereign states all of which are former colonies of the United Kingdom, except for Mozambique and the United Kingdom itself. ... Year 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In the United Kingdom, the use of the international pound was implemented in the Weights and Measures Act 1963.^[1]

“ The yard or the metre shall be the unit of measurement of length and the pound or the kilogram shall be the unit of measurement of mass by reference to which any measurement involving a measurement of length or mass shall be made in the United Kingdom; and- (a) the yard shall be 0·9144 metre exactly;(b) the pound shall be 0·453 592 37 kilogram exactly.”

Weights and Measures Act, 1963, Section 1(1)

An avoirdupois pound is equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces and to exactly 7,000 grains. The conversion factor between the kilogram and the international pound was therefore chosen to be divisible by 7, and an (international) grain is thus equal to exactly 64.79891 milligrams. The avoirdupois system is a system of weights defining terms such as pound and ounce. ... The ounce is the name for a number of different units of mass (oz), and also of two units of fluid volume (fl oz) and of one unit of force, the ounce-force (ozf). ... A grain is a unit of mass equal to 0. ... The milligram (symbol mg) is an SI unit of mass. ...

Equivalence to other units of mass

Metrication or metrification refers to the introduction of the SI metric system as the international standard for physical measurementsâ€”a long-term series of independent and systematic conversions from the various separate local systems of weights and measures. ... Cover of brochure The International System of Units. ... BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ...

Historical origin

The pound as a name for a unit of mass (or weight, before the distinction between mass and weight developed) has a long history. The history of the pound goes hand in hand with the history of the related systems of units of mass and their applications. English unit is an American term that refers to a unit in one of a number of systems of units of measurement, some obsolete, and some still in use. ...

The word “pound” comes from the Latin word pendere, meaning “to weigh”. The Latin word libra means “scales, balances" and it also describes a Roman unit of mass similar to a pound. This is the origin of the abbreviation “lb” or “℔” for the pound. The “s” at the end of “lbs” simply denotes the plural form. Latin is an ancient Indo-European language originally spoken in Latium, the region immediately surrounding Rome. ... A weighing scale (usually just scale in common usage) is a device for measuring the weight of an object. ...

In the United Kingdom there is a historical link between the pound as a unit of mass and the pound as a unit of currency (the pound sterling), because the unit of currency was defined in the past in terms of a specific quantity of silver. ISO 4217 Code GBP User(s) United Kingdom Inflation 2. ... General Name, Symbol, Number silver, Ag, 47 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 11, 5, d Appearance lustrous white metal Atomic mass 107. ...

The avoirdupois pound was invented by London merchants in 1303. // Events 24 February: Battle of Roslin 20 April: Pope Boniface VIII founds the University of Rome La Sapienza Edward I of England reconquers Scotland (see also: William Wallace, Wars of Scottish Independence) The Khilji Dynasty conquers time travel Births Saint Birgitta, Swedish saint (died 1373) Gegeen Khan, Mongol emperor of...

The troy pound takes its name from the French market town of Troyes in France where English merchants traded at least as early as the time of Charlemagne (early ninth century). The system of Troy weights was used in England by apothecaries and jewelers. Troyes is a town in northeastern France. ... A portrait of Charlemagne by Albrecht DÃ¼rer that was painted several centuries after Charlemagnes death. ... Troy weight is a system of units of mass customarily used for precious metals, black powder, and gemstones. ...

Prior to a change during the reign of Henry VIII of England (see below), the avoirdupois pound was based on independent standards which had been measured as about 7,002 troy grains. Silver groat of Henry VIII, minted c. ...

During the reign of Henry VIII of England, the avoirdupois pound was redefined as 7,000 troy grains. Since then, the grain has often been considered as a part of the avoirdupois system. Silver groat of Henry VIII, minted c. ...

In the United Kingdom, the avoirdupois pound was defined as a unit of mass by the Weights and Measures Act of 1878, but having a very slightly different value (in relation to the kilogram) than it does now, of approximately 0.453592338 kg. (This was a measured quantity, with the independently maintained artifact still serving as the official standard for this pound.) This old value is sometimes called the imperial pound, and this definition and terminology are obsolete unless referring to the slightly-different 1878 definition.

In the United States, the (avoirdupois) pound as a unit of mass has been officially defined in terms of the kilogram since 1893. In 1893, the relationship was specified to be 2.20462 pounds were equal to 1 kilogram. In 1894, the relationship was specified to be 2.20462234 pounds were equal to 1 kilogram. This change followed a determination of the British pound. The current international pound differs from the United States 1894 pound by approximately one part in 10 million.^[2] The U.S. National Prototype Kilogram, which currently serves as the primary standard for measuring mass in the U.S. It was assigned to the United States in 1889 and is periodically recertified and traceable to the primary international standard, The Kilogram, held at the Bureau International des Poids et... Year 1893 (MDCCCXCIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar). ... 1894 (MDCCCXCIV) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

Other pounds

Historically, in different parts of the world, at different points in time, and for different applications, the pound (or its translation) has referred to broadly similar but different standards of mass (weight). Some of these other pounds are described below.

Roman libra or pound

A Roman libra or pound is an ancient unit of mass that was equivalent to approximately 327 grams. It was divided into 12 uncia, or ounces. The ancient Roman units of measurement were built on the Greek system with Egyptian influences. ...

Troy pound

A troy pound is equal to 12 troy ounces and to 5,760 grains. Today, the grain is common to the avoirdupois and troy systems of units of mass, and an international troy pound is equal to 373.241 721 grams. Troy weight is a system of units of mass customarily used for precious metals, black powder, and gemstones. ... Troy weight is a system of units of mass customarily used for precious metals, black powder, and gemstones. ... A grain is a unit of mass equal to 0. ... The avoirdupois system is a system of weights defining terms such as pound and ounce. ...

The troy pound is no longer in general use. In Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other places the troy pound is no longer a legal unit for trade. In the United Kingdom, the use of the troy pound was abolished on 6 January 1879. The troy pound is still used for measurements of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, and sometimes gems such as opals. January 6 is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 359 days (360 in leap years) remaining. ... 1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ...

Most measurements of the mass of precious metals using pounds refer to troy pounds, even though it is not always explicitly stated that this is the case. Some notable exceptions are:

Tutankhamun (alternate transcription Tutankhamen), named Tutankhaten early in his life, was Pharaoh of the Eighteenth dynasty of Egypt (1334 BC/1333 BC - 1323 BC), during the period known as the New Kingdom. ... Stone sarcophagus of Pharaoh Merenptah Detail of a stone sarcophagus in the Istanbul Archeological Museum showing a hunting scene Anthropoid sarcophagus discovered at CÃ¡diz A sarcophagus is a stone container for a coffin or body. ...

French livre or pound

The livre (translated as the pound), is a French name for various units of mass since the Middle Ages. The names continues to be used today to refer to a metric pound (see below). // French system In France, again, there were many local variants. ... Mesures usuelles (French for customary measurements) were a system of measurement introduced to act as compromise between metric system and traditional measurements. ...

The livre esterlin was equivalent to about 367.1 grams and was used between the late 9th century and the mid-14th century.^[3] BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ...

The livre poids de marc or livre de Paris was equivalent to about 7,555 grains or about 489.5 grams and was used between the 1350s and the late 18th century.^[3]. It was introduced by the government of King John II of France. A grain is a unit of mass equal to 0. ... BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ... Events 29 August - An English fleet personally commanded by King Edward III defeats a Spanish fleet in the battle of Les Espagnols sur Mer. ... John II the Good (French: Jean II le Bon) (April 16, 1319 â€“ April 8, 1364), was King of France 1350â€“1364, Duke of Normandy and Count of Anjou and Maine 1332â€“1350, Count of Poitiers 1344â€“1350, and Duke of Guienne 1345â€“1350. ...

The livre métrique was set equal to the kilogram or 1,000 grams, by the decree of 13 Brumaire an IX between 1800 and 1812. This was a form of official metric pound (see below).^[3] The U.S. National Prototype Kilogram, which currently serves as the primary standard for measuring mass in the U.S. It was assigned to the United States in 1889 and is periodically recertified and traceable to the primary international standard, The Kilogram, held at the Bureau International des Poids et... BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ...

The livre usuelle was set equal to 500 grams, by the decree of 28 March 1812. It was abolished as a unit of mass effective 1 January 1840 by a decree of 4 July 1837.^[3] BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ... March 28 is the 87th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (88th in leap years). ... For the overture by Tchaikovsky, see 1812 Overture; For the wars, see War of 1812 (USA - United Kingdom) or Patriotic War of 1812 (France - Russia) For the Siberia Airlines plane crashed over the Black Sea on October 4, 2001, see Siberia Airlines Flight 1812 1812 was a leap year starting... January 1 is the first day of the calendar year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. ... 1840 is a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... For the United States holiday, the Fourth of July, see Independence Day (United States). ... Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1837 - 1901) 1837 (MDCCCXXXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

Jersey pound

A Jersey pound is an obsolete unit of mass used on the island of Jersey from the 14th century to the 19th century. It was equivalent to about 7,561 grains. It may have been derived from the French livre poids de marc (see above).^[4] A grain is a unit of mass equal to 0. ...

Tower pound

A Tower pound was equal to 5,400 grains. Prior to 1528 the British monetary unit also known as the pound was a Tower pound of silver (worth about £38 today). In 1528, the standard was changed to the Troy pound. The Imperial units are an irregularly standardized system of units that have been used in the United Kingdom and its former colonies, including the Commonwealth countries. ... Events June 19 - Battle of Landriano - A French army in Italy under Marshal St. ... General Name, Symbol, Number silver, Ag, 47 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 11, 5, d Appearance lustrous white metal Atomic mass 107. ...

Libra mercatoria or mercantile, merchants' or commercial pound

A mercantile pound or libra mercantoria, also known as a merchants' pound or commercial pound, is an obsolete unit of mass used in England for most goods (other than money, spices and electuaries) until a point during the 14th century. It was equal to 9,600 wheat grains (equivalent to 6,750 grains). There were 12 tower ounces in a tower pound, and a merchant pound was 15 tower ounces.^[5] The Imperial units are an irregularly standardized system of units that have been used in the United Kingdom and its former colonies, including the Commonwealth countries. ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: God Save the King/Queen Capital London (de facto) Largest city London Official language(s) English (de facto) Unification - by Athelstan AD 927 Area - Total 130,395 kmÂ² (1st in UK) 50,346 sq mi Population - 2006 est. ... An electuary is a medicinal paste composed of powders, or other ingredients, incorporated with some jam, honey, syrup, etc, for the purposes of oral consumption. ... A grain is a unit of mass equal to 0. ...

London or mercantile pound

A London pound was equal to 7,200 grains. A London pound was 16 tower ounces or, equivalently, 15 troy ounces. The Imperial units are an irregularly standardized system of units that have been used in the United Kingdom and its former colonies, including the Commonwealth countries. ...

Wool pound

A Wool pound was equal to 6,992 grains. It was a unit of mass used to measure the quantity of wool.^[6] The Imperial units are an irregularly standardized system of units that have been used in the United Kingdom and its former colonies, including the Commonwealth countries. ... Long and short hair wool at the South Central Family Farm Research Center in Boonesville, Arizona Wool is the fiber derived from the fur of animals of the Caprinae family, principally sheep, but the hair of certain species of other mammals such as goats, alpacas, llamas and rabbits may also...

Scottish or trone pound

The trone pound is one of a number of obsolete Scottish units of measurement. It was equivalent to between 21 to 28 avoirdupois ounces. Several native system of weights and measures were used in Scotland. ... Several native system of weights and measures were used in Scotland. ...

Metric pounds

In many countries upon the introduction of a metric system, the pound (or its translation) became an informal term for half of a kilogram or 500 grams, often following an official redefinition of an existing unit during the 19th century. The Dutch pond is an exception. It was officially redefined as 1 kilogram, with an ounce of 100 grams. If the pound is used in the Netherlands today it is likely to refer to 500 grams; the former definition has fallen out of use. However, the 100-gram ounce remains in limited use. The U.S. National Prototype Kilogram, which currently serves as the primary standard for measuring mass in the U.S. It was assigned to the United States in 1889 and is periodically recertified and traceable to the primary international standard, The Kilogram, held at the Bureau International des Poids et... The International System of Units (symbol: SI) (for the French phrase Syst me International dUnit s) is the most widely used system of units. ... The U.S. National Prototype Kilogram, which currently serves as the primary standard for measuring mass in the U.S. It was assigned to the United States in 1889 and is periodically recertified and traceable to the primary international standard, The Kilogram, held at the Bureau International des Poids et... BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ...

In German the term is Pfund, in French livre, in Dutch pond, in Spanish, and Portuguese libra. The livre tournois (or Tournoise pound) was a currency used in France, named after the town of Tours, in which it was minted. ...

Hundreds of older pounds were replaced in this way. Examples of the older pounds are one of around 459 to 460 grams in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America; one of 498.1 grams in Norway; and several different ones in what is now Germany.

Although the use of the pound as an informal term persists in these countries to a varying degree, scales and measuring devices are denominated only in grams and kilograms. A pound of product must be determined by weighing the product in grams. The use of the term pound is usually forbidden for official use in trade.

References

^ Quoted by Laws LJ in [2002] EWHC 195 (Admin). Retrieved on 2006-08-12.
^ United States National Bureau of Standards (1959-06-25). Notices "Refinement of values for the yard and the pound". Retrieved on 2006-08-12.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Sizes, Inc. (2001-03-16). Pre-metric French units of mass livre and smaller. Retrieved on 2006-08-12.
^ Sizes, Inc. (2003-07-28). Jersey pound. Retrieved on 2006-08-12.
^ Zupko, Ronald (1985-12-01). Dictionary of Weights and Measures for the British Isles: The Middle Ages to the 20th Century. DIANE Publishing. ISDN 087169168X.
^ English Weights & Measures. Retrieved on 2006-08-12.

For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... August 12 is the 224th day of the year (225th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... August 12 is the 224th day of the year (225th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... August 12 is the 224th day of the year (225th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... August 12 is the 224th day of the year (225th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... August 12 is the 224th day of the year (225th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

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