uncia

[ uhn-shee-uh ]

noun

, plural un·ci·ae [uhn, -shee-ee].

1. a bronze coin of ancient Rome, the 12th part of an as.
2. (in prescriptions) an ounce of weight or volume.

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncia¹

1685–95; < Latin: a twelfth part, akin to ūnus one; inch ¹

Example Sentences

The twelth part of an acre was called Uncia and half a foot, Semis, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Another way is to take two unciae of ore, a semi-uncia of litharge, two drachmae of Venetian glass and a semi-uncia of saltpetre.

From Project Gutenberg

Lastly, if there is only pure silver, then as much as a third of a libra and a semi-uncia of copper granules are added.

From Project Gutenberg

Another cement is made of a bes of brick dust, a third of rock salt, an uncia of saltpetre, and half an uncia of refined salt.

From Project Gutenberg

Of each bes of silver one sicilicus is consumed, or occasionally when very impure, three drachmae or half an uncia.

From Project Gutenberg