cubic

American  

[kyoo-bik] / ˈkyu bɪk /

adjective

1. having three dimensions; solid.

2. having the form of a cube; cubical.

3. pertaining to the measurement of volume.

   the cubic contents of a vessel.

4. pertaining to a unit of linear measure that is multiplied by itself twice to form a unit of measure for volume.

   cubic foot; cubic centimeter; cubic inch; cubic meter.

5. Mathematics. of or relating to the third degree.

6. Crystallography. belonging or pertaining to the isometric system of crystallization.

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noun

1. Mathematics. a cubic polynomial or equation.

cubic British  

/ ˈkjuːbɪk /

adjective

1. having the shape of a cube

2. 1. having three dimensions

   2. Abbreviation: cu..   c.  denoting or relating to a linear measure that is raised to the third power

      a cubic metre

3. maths of, relating to, or containing a variable to the third power or a term in which the sum of the exponents of the variables is three

4. Also: isometric.   regular.  crystallog relating to or belonging to the crystal system characterized by three equal perpendicular axes. The unit cell of cubic crystals is a cube with a lattice point at each corner ( simple cubic ) and one in the cube's centre ( body-centred cubic ), or a lattice point at each corner and one at the centre of each face ( face-centred cubic )

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noun

1. maths

   1. a cubic equation, such as x ³ + x + 2 = 0

   2. a cubic term or expression

cubic Scientific  

/ kyo̅o̅′bĭk /

1. Referring to a volume unit of measurement.

2. Involving a number or a variable that has been raised to the third power.

3. Relating to a crystal having three axes of equal length intersecting at right angles. The mineral pyrite has cubic crystals.

4. Also called isometric

5. See illustration at crystal

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Other Word Forms

• cubicity noun
• subcubic adjective
• uncubic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cubic

1490–1500; earlier cubik < Latin cubicus < Greek kybikós. See cube ¹, -ic

Example Sentences

Some monitors there recorded levels of PM2.5 -- particles small enough to enter the bloodstream and linked to diseases like cancer -- of over 900 micrograms per cubic metre.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Nearly 15 million cubic meters of ice and debris collapse into South Lhonak Lake, causing a 65-foot high wave.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Observable demand destruction has cut about 1 billion cubic feet per day so far, with additional volumes displaced through fuel switching, still leaving a sizable gap.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The researchers concluded it would also drain 731 million cubic meters to 1,125 million cubic meters of water per year.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimeters inside your skull.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Related Words

• cuboid
• cuboidal