(in Roman currency) a copper coin worth a twelfth part of an as
2. mathematics archaic
a twelfth part; 1⁄12
3. mathematics obsolete
(in algebra) any numerical coefficient in a binomial expansion
uncia in American English
(ˈunʃiə)
nounWord forms: plural-ciae (-ʃiˌi)
1.
a bronze coin of ancient Rome, the 12th part of an as
2. (in prescriptions)
an ounce of weight or volume
Word origin
[1685–95; ‹ L: a twelfth part, akin to ūnus one; cf. inch1]This word is first recorded in the period 1685–95. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: blowhole, converge, lens, patchwork, solo