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cubit

noun

  1. unit of length
L22700 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈkjuː.bɪt/ / /ˈkju.bɪt/

name

Etymology: From Middle English cubite (“cubit; elbow”), probably applied as a nickname for someone with strong or remarkable forearms.

  1. A surname transferred from the nickname.

noun

Etymology: From Middle English cubite, from Latin cubitum (“elbow, cubit”). Doublet of cubitus, covado, and codo.

  1. The distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger used as an informal unit of length.

    Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

  2. Any of various units of length approximating this distance, usually around 35–60 cm.
  3. Synonym of ulna, the bone of the human forearm.