avoirdupois
avoirdupois — noun
1. A standard way to measure weight used in the United States and other English-spe
A standard way to measure weight used in the United States and other English-speaking countries, where one pound equals sixteen ounces.
The old recipe book from Vermont lists every ingredient by avoirdupois weight, not metric.
avoirdupois weight
Vikram had to learn the avoirdupois system when his job moved him to Chicago.
avoirdupois system
Nia checked the avoirdupois weight of her suitcase before boarding the flight to Tokyo.
Haruto compared the avoirdupois and metric weights before filling out the shipping form.
- imperial weight
a broader term that includes avoirdupois as part of the British imperial system
- standard weight
less technical; refers to everyday weight measurement in the US
- troy weight
a different system used exclusively for precious metals and gemstones
- metric system
the decimal-based system of grams and kilograms used in most countries
用法筆記
Only used as a singular uncountable noun. The system is typically contrasted with troy weight (for precious metals) and the metric system.
常見錯誤
2. Extra weight on a person’s body, especially fatty tissue that makes them heavier
Extra weight on a person’s body, especially fatty tissue that makes them heavier than they would like.
After three months of holiday meals, Theo noticed some extra avoirdupois around his waist.
extra avoirdupois
The fitness trainer helped Abigail reduce her avoirdupois through daily walks and healthy eating.
reduce her avoirdupois
Jack’s doctor warned him that his growing avoirdupois could raise his blood pressure.
Noor decided to start running every morning to shed some unwanted avoirdupois.
- body fat
more neutral and clinical; less playful
- flab
more informal and slightly negative in tone
- excess weight
more straightforward and widely understood
用法筆記
Used humorously or euphemistically rather than as a medical term. Avoid in clinical writing.
常見錯誤
avoirdupois — adjective
- avoirdupoispositive
- more avoirdupoiscomparative
- most avoirdupoissuperlative
1. Measured or stated using the avoirdupois system of pounds and ounces.
Measured or stated using the avoirdupois system of pounds and ounces.
The local butcher sells beef at five dollars per avoirdupois pound.
avoirdupois pound
Emma checked the avoirdupois weight on the cereal box before comparing prices.
avoirdupois weight
The postal clerk wrote down the package’s avoirdupois ounces on the shipping label.
Diego asked for two avoirdupois pounds of apples at the farmer’s market.
- standard
less specific; refers to everyday weight measurement in the US without naming the system
用法筆記
Always placed before the noun it modifies (attributive position). Never used after a linking verb.