2007-01-01 05:04:20 · 15 answers · asked by MATTHEW H 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
2007-01-01 05:06:27 · answer #1 · answered by The Cheminator 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cubit is the name for any one of many units of measure used by various ancient peoples and is among the first recorded units of length. The Cubit is possibly based on the forearm length of an average person, and the Egyptian hieroglyph for the unit shows this symbol. It was employed consistently for measuring products like timber, stone, cords and textiles through Antiquity, the Middle-Ages up to the Early Modern Times. The earliest known cubit is the Egyptian cubit of 28 digits (523/4mm, 20.6"), and other cubit measures, often divided into 24 digits, or 6 palms of 4 digits are known from Antiquity.
Over time, units similar in type to the cubit have measured:
6 palms, ~53.3 cm, or 21 inches (1.75 ft)
7 palms, ~52.5 cm, or 21 inches (1.75 ft)
8 palms, ~60 cm, or 24 inches (2.00 ft)
9 palms, ~67.5 cm, or 27 inches (2.25 ft)
From late Antiquity, a Roman cubit of 16 palms, which is about 120 cm, was also used. This length is the measure from a man's hip to the fingers of the outstretched opposite arm. Since the ulna is approximately 1/4 of this length (30 cm or 12 inches), this Roman cubit was considered highly practical for quickly measuring textiles or cords over the elbow.
2007-01-01 13:12:51 · answer #2 · answered by J. P. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A regular cubit was about 1/2 a yard. A holy cubit was 2 regular cubits, or about 1 yard.
2007-01-01 13:20:06 · answer #3 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cubit is the name for any one of many units of measure used by various ancient peoples and is among the first recorded units of length. The Cubit is possibly based on the forearm length of an average person, and the Egyptian hieroglyph for the unit shows this symbol. It was employed consistently for measuring products like timber, stone, cords and textiles
2007-01-01 13:07:48 · answer #4 · answered by helena 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Standard cubit is 20"
2007-01-01 13:07:42 · answer #5 · answered by Tim P. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The earliest known cubit is the Egyptian cubit of 28 digits (523/4mm, 20.6").
2007-01-01 13:07:54 · answer #6 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Middle English, from Latin cubitum elbow, cubit
: any of various ancient units of length based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger and usually equal to about 18 inches (45.7 centimeters)
2007-01-01 13:09:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A measurement of length (about 18 inches, 2 spans) of a man's arm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
2007-01-01 13:07:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cubit.
2007-01-01 13:08:01 · answer #9 · answered by carole 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About 18" or the length from your middle finger tip to your elbow.
2007-01-01 13:06:52 · answer #10 · answered by capnemo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋