Why is abbreviation for pound lb

It's unclear exactly why the "z" shows up in English abbreviations, but it's clear that it came from Medieval Italian and then stuck around.

This article originally appeared on Southern Living by Melissa Locker. By Southern Living June 13, Save Pin More. Comments Add Comment. BoyMCEcheerleader Feb 7, Hi I lift people a lot so I have to work out since I am a male competitive cheerleader this topic was really cool I learned some new stuff my names Michael I am 13 14 in 2 weeks and the most I have curled it 30lb thanks to cheer.

Feb 8, Lucas Feb 6, I always wondered why it was lb and now I know. Feb 7, Bettie Jan 12, Greetings and salutations. Do you know where I can find the author of this Wonder. Jan 12, Jan 9, Tavia May 16, Sonaliii Nov 2, I haven't even like read this yet so like idk but like i'll so tell my opinion later. Nov 3, We're looking forward to hearing what you think, Sonaliii!

Raquelle Oct 19, Oct 21, May 18, Samantha Jan 14, Jan 19, Susie Oct 28, I love history and I've always wondered about "LB" now I know and want to learn more about it. Oct 29, Kenny Dec 11, Wonderopolis Dec 12, You are smart, Kenny! Wonderopolis Jun 1, Feb 6, Maria Caplin May 31, LOVE this wonder for so many reasons. First Grace hit on it what a great game to help the older generation with the e-mail abbreviations. As a teacher I love the connection with Ancient Roman times, I will be able to use this wonder with math and word study-you taught me something new today.

Wonderopolis May 31, Good afternoon, Maria! Thanks for telling us how much you loved today's Wonder! May 31, The dogs in the video were very cute! Our principal has a dog that looks like Javi so we loved making that connection to the video.

The information was good too, we never thought about how "lb" related. Thanks for the great info!! Kelly Kravitz May 31, Thank you for this information! So interesting.

That's because the sign is associated with balance, and is related to weights and measurements. As for the word ounce, according to the Encyclopedia Brittanica , it originates from the Latin word uncia , which was the name for both a Roman unit of weight and length.

According to The Week , uncia was borrowed by the Anglo-Norman French as "ounce" and then lent to their neighbors in England. The abbreviation, though, came from Medieval Italian, who had taken the Latin word uncia and turned it into onza , introducing the "z" into the word. Today's Top Stories. The Rise of the Cleanfluencer. Getty Images. Actually it does!

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