Cubit

Cubit is an ancient unit of length that had several definitions according to each of the various different cultures that used the unit. These definitions ranged between 444 millimeters and 529.2 millimeters. The unit was based on the forearm length from the tip of the middle finger to the bottom of the elbow. Cubits of various lengths were employed in many parts of the world in antiquity, during the Middle Ages and as recently as Early Modern Times. The term is still used in hedge laying, the length of the forearm being frequently used to determine the interval between stakes placed within the hedge.

Etymology

The English word cubit comes from the Latin noun cubitus "elbow", from the verb cubo, cubare, cubui, cubitum "to lie down", from which also comes the word "incumbent".

Ancient cubits

The ancient Egyptian royal cubit is the earliest attested standard measure. Cubit rods were used for the measurement of length. Fourteen of these were described and several dated to the reign of Thutmeg. The royal cubit measured approximately 525 mm (20.6 in). The Greek cubit ranged from about 444 to 447 mm (17.5 to 17.6 in). The Roman cubit was slightly shorter, and measured about 444 mm (17.5 in). The Chinese cubit, the chi, was longer than these at about 500 mm (20 in).

Modern cubits

The English cubit of the Middle Ages was 18 inches (457.2 mm). The metric cubit has been suggested to be 500 mm (20 in).

See also

• Ell
• Foot (unit)
• Hand (unit)
• Span (unit)
• Digit (unit)

External links

• Original Article

Cubit Resources
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