1. n.1 a a unit of weight of one-sixteenth of a pound avoirdupois (approx. 28 grams).
Usage:
Abbr.: oz. b a unit of one-twelfth of a pound troy or apothecaries' measure, equal to 480 grains (approx. 31 grams).
2 a small quantity.
Phrases and idioms:
fluid ounce Brit.
1. a unit of capacity equal to one-twentieth of a pint (approx. 0.028 litre).
2 US a unit of capacity equal to one-sixteenth of a pint (approx. 0.034 litre).
Etymology: ME & OF unce f. L uncia twelfth part of pound or foot: cf. INCH(1) 2. n. an Asian wild cat, Panthera uncia, with leopard-like markings on a cream-coloured coat. Also called mountain panther, snow leopard.
Etymology: ME f. OF once (earlier lonce) It. lonza ult. f. L lynx: see LYNX