QUINTALS Meaning and
Definition
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Quintals is a plural noun that refers to units of weight or measure. It is chiefly used to measure the weight of certain commodities, particularly in agricultural and commercial contexts.
Specifically, a quintal is equivalent to one hundred kilograms (100 kg) or 220.46 pounds (lbs). It originated from the Latin word quintālis, which means "of a fifth part" or "coming from a fifth." This term was historically used to represent a fifth part of a hundred (which is equal to 20).
The term quintal is commonly used in international trade, particularly in countries like India and those in Europe. It is often employed to quantify the weight of goods such as grains, cereals, rice, sugar, and other agricultural products. For instance, when discussing commodity prices or trade negotiations, the use of quintals allows for standardized measurements that facilitate communication and transactions.
It is worth noting that quintals may also be used as a unit of measurement in non-commercial settings. In certain areas, it can be used to measure the weight of goods for personal or household use, particularly in rural communities where traditional measurement systems are still employed.
Overall, quintals serve as a practical and widely recognized unit of measurement for various commodities, enabling efficiency and consistency in trade, as well as facilitating the exchange of goods and resources on local, national, and international scales.
Etymology of QUINTALS
The word "quintals" has its etymology rooted in the Latin word "quintālis", derived from "quintus", meaning "fifth". In ancient Rome, "quintalis" was a term used for several units of weight, specifically the "quintal", which equaled 100 pounds or approximately 45.36 kilograms. This term eventually made its way into various Romance languages, including Old French as "quintal" and Middle English as "quintal" or "quintel", referring to the same weight measure. Over time, the plural form "quintals" emerged, maintaining its connection to the original Latin root and continuing to be used to describe a unit of weight equal to 100 pounds.
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