Quintal: Difference between revisions
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The '''quintal''' is an historical unit of mass with many different definitions in different countries. It is derived from the [[Latin]] ''centenarius'', meaning 100 pounds. The unit was and still is used in the Arab world, where it is known as the ''qintar''. It is currently defined informally as 50 kg. The ''qintar'' was imported to Europe by traders. In [[France]] it was defined as 100 ''livres'', about 48.95 kg, although it has now been redefined as 100 kg. In [[Spain]] it is still defined as 100 ''libras'', or about 46 kg, and in [[Portugal]] as 128 ''libras'' or about 58.75 kg. The English quintal, now obsolete, was defined sometimes as 100 lb (exactly 45.359 237 kg) and sometimes as 112 lb (about 50.80 kg). |
The '''quintal''' is an historical unit of [[mass]] with many different definitions in different countries. It is derived from the [[Latin]] ''centenarius'', meaning 100 pounds. The unit was and still is used in the Arab world, where it is known as the ''qintar''. It is currently defined informally as 50 kg. The ''qintar'' was imported to Europe by traders. In [[France]] it was defined as 100 ''livres'', about 48.95 kg, although it has now been redefined as 100 kg. In [[Spain]] it is still defined as 100 ''libras'', or about 46 kg, and in [[Portugal]] as 128 ''libras'' or about 58.75 kg. The English quintal, now obsolete, was defined sometimes as 100 lb (exactly 45.359 237 kg) and sometimes as 112 lb (about 50.80 kg). |
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The '''metric quintal''' is defined in the U.S. as 100 [[kilograms]]. This unit is not recognised by the SI, but is used in agriculture for measuring grain. |
The '''metric quintal''' is defined in the U.S. as 100 [[kilograms]]. This unit is not recognised by the SI, but is used in agriculture for measuring grain. |
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Revision as of 13:13, 16 June 2003
The quintal is an historical unit of mass with many different definitions in different countries. It is derived from the Latin centenarius, meaning 100 pounds. The unit was and still is used in the Arab world, where it is known as the qintar. It is currently defined informally as 50 kg. The qintar was imported to Europe by traders. In France it was defined as 100 livres, about 48.95 kg, although it has now been redefined as 100 kg. In Spain it is still defined as 100 libras, or about 46 kg, and in Portugal as 128 libras or about 58.75 kg. The English quintal, now obsolete, was defined sometimes as 100 lb (exactly 45.359 237 kg) and sometimes as 112 lb (about 50.80 kg).
The metric quintal is defined in the U.S. as 100 kilograms. This unit is not recognised by the SI, but is used in agriculture for measuring grain.