Why is the word pound/pounds abbreviated lbs ?

Answer 1

'The abbreviation "lbs." certainly seems like a strange way to write "pounds," until you consider the origin of the word. Like many terms used in science, the word "pound" has a Latin background. It comes from "libra pondo," the Latin expression for a "pound of weight." The English word "pound" comes from "pondo," and the abbreviation "lb." comes from "libra." When you are referring to more than one pound, an "s" is added to the abbreviation to make it plural, so it becomes "lbs." Yahooligans! Reference features a handy tool that helps you convert different units of weight and mass. And make sure to visit our Measurements and Units category to learn more about such weighty matters."

Answer 2

Why Are Pounds Abbreviated Lbs

Answer 3

We get the word 'pound' and it's abbreviation of 'lb' from two different sources. First, 'lb': The origin is in the Latin word libra, which means both balance scales (hence the symbol for the astrological sign Libra, which was named after a constellation that was thought to resemble scales)

And as for 'pound': a pound weight, for which the full expression was libra pondo, the second word being the origin of our pound.

Answer 4

Usually POUND (when it refers to weight) is abbreviated "lb.", although I have sometimes seen "lbs." The Latin word for pound is LIBRA, and that word was once used in English when referring to money. Apparently our word "pound" comes from the Latin word "pondo" which means weight; the Latin expression seems to have been "libra pondo" for "a pound in weight" (as opposed to a pound in money). The Italian monetary unit, the lira, as well as the British pound were coins that were once equivalent to a pound of a precious metal. Both are abbreviated with a fancy capital L (not followed by a period). The story of the terminology can be found in the OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY, and also (under pound, libra and in the appendix) in the AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY.

Answer 5

It all goes back to the Zodiac.

The zodiac symbol of Libra is a scale that is setting balanced. Pounds are a result of weights and balances, so therefore the Latins decided to abbreviate pounds as lbs (libras).

And yes, it is a Latin thing.

Answer 6

The Latin word libra describes a Roman unit of weight similar to a pound, and the abbreviations “lb” or “℔” for the unit of weight and the signs £ and ₤ (crossed-out Ls) for the currency derived from this. The word “pound” comes from the Latin pendere, “to weigh”; Latin libra means “scales, balances.”

Answer 7

The Latin word libra describes a Roman unit of weight similar to a pound, and the abbreviations “lb” or “℔” for the unit of weight and the signs £ and ₤ (crossed-out Ls) for the currency derived from this. The word “pound” comes from the Latin pendere, “to weigh”; Latin libra means “scales, balances.”

Answer 8

Because is an abbreviation that comes from the Latin word "Libra" Lbs

Answer 9

The Latin word libra describes a Roman unit of weight similar to a pound, and the abbreviations “lb” or “℔” for the unit of weight and the signs £ and ₤ (crossed-out Ls) for the currency derived from this. The word “pound” comes from the Latin pendere, “to weigh”; Latin libra means “scales, balances.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pound_%28mass%29

Answer 10

The origin is in the Latin word Libra, which could mean both balance scales, which is the symbol for the astrological sign Libra, which was named after a constellation that was thought to resemble scales) and also a pound weight, for which the full expression was Libra pondo, the second word being the origin of our pound.