noun

ounce

OUNSS/aʊns/

A unit of weight equal to about 28 grams in ordinary use.

Sixteen one-ounce weights balance a single pound on the scale.

$A level balance compares one pound with sixteen identical one-ounce weights, making the fractional relationship visible.$

Etymology

ounceLatinone-twelfth part

Uncia named a twelfth part, including a twelfth of a pound. An ounce retains that fraction in troy weight, but in the avoirdupois system used here it is one-sixteenth of a pound.

In context

Animal Fact Files0:29

This tiny shrew weighs less than an ounce (28g) and measures 3 inches (7.6cm) in length including its tail.

Shrew Facts: a VENOMOUS MAMMAL | Animal Fact Files

More examples

The recipe calls for two ounces of melted butter.
This small envelope weighs less than an ounce.
She weighs an ounce of coffee beans for each pot.

Forms

ounce · ounces

Similar words

gram: A smaller metric unit; about 28 grams equal one ounce.
pound: A larger customary unit equal to sixteen ounces.