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cubits

 - 3 dictionary results

cu⋅bit

  [kyoo-bit]
–noun
an ancient linear unit based on the length of the forearm, from elbow to the tip of the middle finger, usually from 17 to 21 in. (43 to 53 cm).
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Origin:
1325–75; ME, OE < L cubitum elbow, cubit; perh. akin to cubāre to lie down
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
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cu·bit   (kyōō'bĭt)   
n.  An ancient unit of linear measure, originally equal to the length of the forearm from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow, or about 17 to 22 inches (43 to 56 centimeters).

[Middle English cubite, from Latin cubitum, cubit, elbow.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

cubit 
c.1325, from L. cubitum "the elbow," ancient unit of measure based on the forearm from elbow to fingertip, usually from 18 to 22 inches. Such a measure, known by a word meaning "forearm" or the like, was known to many peoples (e.g. Gk. pekhys, Heb. ammah).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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