avoirdupois weight
noun
a system of weight measurement based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains, in wide use in English-speaking countries; the system is used for goods other than gems, precious metals, and drugs: 27 11/32 grains = 1 dram; 16 drams = 1 ounce; 16 ounces = 1 pound; 112 pounds (Brit.) or 100 pounds (U.S.) = 1 hundredweight; 20 hundredweight = 1 ton. The pound contains 7000 grains. Abbreviation: av.; avdp.; avoir.
Origin of avoirdupois weight
First recorded in 1610–20
Words nearby avoirdupois weight
avoidance play,
avoidant,
avoidant personality,
avoir.,
avoirdupois,
avoirdupois weight,
avon,
avon lake,
avouch,
avow,
avowal
Medical definitions for avoirdupois weight
avoirdupois weight
n.
A system of weights and measures based on a pound containing 16 ounces or 7,000 grains and equal to 453.59 grams.
Scientific definitions for avoirdupois weight
avoirdupois weight
[ ăv′ər-də-poiz′ ]
A system of weights and measures based on a pound containing 16 ounces or 7,000 grains, and equal to 453.59 grams. Avoirdupois weight is used in the United States to weigh everything except gems, precious metals, and drugs. Compare troy weight.