Definition

1. Noun:
   • A unit of weight: A standard unit of mass in the avoirdupois system, equal to one sixteenth of a pound or approximately 28.349 grams.
   • A unit of apothecary weight: A unit used in pharmacy, equal to 480 grains or one twelfth of a troy pound.
   • A large wild cat: A large feline mammal (Uncia uncia or Panthera uncia), also known as the snow leopard, native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, having long, thick whitish fur.

Examples of Usage

• As a unit of weight:
  • The recipe calls for four ounces of chocolate.
  • Gold is often measured in troy ounces.
• Referring to the animal:
  • The ounce is an elusive predator adapted to high altitudes.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting the ounce.

Advanced Usage

• "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.": A common proverb meaning it is better to stop something bad from happening early than to deal with its serious consequences later.
  • Remember to get your flu shot; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
• "Every ounce of (something)": Used to emphasize the total amount of effort, strength, or a quality someone possesses.
  • She put every ounce of her energy into the final performance.

Variants and Related Words

• Fluid ounce (fl oz) (n): A unit of volume for liquids, not weight. In the US customary system, it is approximately 29.574 ml.
  • Add two fluid ounces of vanilla extract.
• Snow leopard (n): The more common name for the feline .
  • The snow leopard is a majestic and endangered species.

Synonyms

• For the unit of weight: None that are exact equivalents, but it is part of the pound system.
• For the animal: Snow leopard, mountain panther.

Related Phrases

• Not an ounce of (something): Not even the smallest amount of a particular quality.
  • He doesn't have an ounce of fear.
• By the ounce: Sold or measured according to weight in ounces.
  • That spice is very expensive and is sold by the ounce.

Noun

1. large feline of upland central Asia having long thick whitish fur
2. a unit of weight equal to one sixteenth of a pound or 16 drams or 28.349 grams
3. a unit of apothecary weight equal to 480 grains or one twelfth of a pound