avoirdupois

/ˌævərdəˈpɔɪz /

Avoirdupois is a system of measuring weight based on the fact that sixteen ounces are in a pound. The metric system is based on grams, and the avoirdupois system is based on pounds.

This odd-looking term means something very common, at least if you live in England or the United States: the avoirdupois system is a standard for measuring weight based on there being sixteen ounces in a pound. If you measure your weight in pounds, you're using the avoirdupois system. If you measure liquids in ounces, you're using the avoirdupois system. This is one of many standards of measurement that exist, such as the metric system, which is based on units of 10.

Definitions of avoirdupois

1. noun

   a system of weights based on the 16-ounce pound (or 7,000 grains)
   synonyms: avoirdupois weight

   type of:

   system of weights, weight

   a system of units used to express the weight of something
2. noun

   excess bodily weight
   synonyms: blubber, fat, fatness

   types:

   adiposeness, adiposity, fattiness

   having the property of containing fat

   abdominousness, paunchiness

   the bodily property of a protruding belly

   greasiness, oiliness, oleaginousness

   consisting of or covered with oil

   corpulency, fleshiness, obesity

   more than average fatness

   steatopygia

   an extreme accumulation of fat on the buttocks

   adiposis, corpulence, overweight, stoutness

   the property of excessive fatness

   exogenous obesity

   obesity caused by overeating

   embonpoint, plumpness, roundness

   the bodily property of being well rounded

   type of:

   bodily property

   an attribute of the body