The cubit is a traditional unit of length, based on the length of the forearm: from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Cubits of various lengths were employed in many parts of the world in Antiquity, in the Middle Ages and into Early Modern Times.
The Egyptian hieroglyph for the cubit shows the symbol of a longer than normal forearm. According to the Ancient Egyptian units of measurement, the Egyptian Royal cubit was subdivided into 7 palms of 4 fingers/digits each; surviving cubit rods are between 52.3 and 52.9 cm (20.6 to 20.8 inches) in length.
Over time, various cubits and variations on the cubit have measured:
- Standard/Biblical cubits: 6 palms x 4 fingers = 24 digits
- Egyptian Royal cubits: 7 palms x 4 fingers = 28 digits
The cubit has also been expressed as "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 almost 18 inches (46 centimeters)."
Read more about Cubit: Etymology, The Egyptian Royal Cubit and Sumerian Nippur Cubit, Standard Cubit / Biblical Cubit, Other Systems
Famous quotes containing the word cubit:
“Alas! if the principles of contentment are not within us,—the height of station and worldly grandeur will as soon add a cubit to a man’s stature as to his happiness.”
—Laurence Sterne (1713–1768)