pound

pound · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The basic monetary unit of the UK, equal to 100 pence.

  2. 2.

    A unit of weight equal to 16 ounces (approximately 0.454 kg).

  3. 3.

    A place where stray animals are kept.

  4. 4.

    Strike or hit heavily and repeatedly.

  5. 5.

    (Of the heart) Beat heavily.

  6. 6.

    Crush or grind into a powder or paste.

Forms

plural: pounds

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    pound sterling — The official currency of the UK.
  • •
    pound sign — The symbol (£) for the pound currency.
  • •
    pound for pound — Comparing things of equal weight.
  • •
    take a pounding — Suffer damage or defeat.
  • •
    pound the pavement — Walk the streets, especially looking for work.

Related words

See also: currency, dollar, money, weight
Synonyms: enclosure, lb, quid

Etymology

For the weight and currency: from Latin pondo ("by weight"), from pondus ("weight"). For the enclosure: from Old English pund ("enclosure").