Word: Ounce

Pronunciation

/ˈaʊns/

Definitions

• Noun: A unit of weight equal to 1/16 of a pound or approximately 28.35 grams. For example: “The recipe calls for two ounces of chocolate chips.”
• Noun (historical): A former silver coin of England, equal to one-twelfth of a Troy pound.
• Noun (informal): A small amount or quantity. For example: “She only needed an ounce of patience to wait for the results.”

Phrases

• “A drop in the ocean”: Refers to something very small or insignificant compared to a larger whole, like an ounce in relation to the vastness of the ocean.
• “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”: A proverb suggesting that taking action to prevent a problem is better than trying to fix it later on.

Example Sentences

• Unit of weight: “The baby weighed eight pounds and three ounces at birth.”
• Historical Coinage: “During medieval times, the value of goods was often measured in shillings and ounces.”
• Informal Usage: “Even an ounce of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s day.”

Synonyms

• oz. (abbreviation)
• fluid ounce (for measuring liquid volume)
• small amount
• tiny bit
• modicum
• scrap
• trace

Note: The context determines whether “ounce” refers to a unit of weight or a small amount. In the case of its use as a historical coin, no direct synonyms exist as it’s a specific type of currency from the past.