metric hundredweight: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Historical, Trade
Quick answer
What does “metric hundredweight” mean?
A unit of mass equal to 50 kilograms, officially called a 'quintal' in some systems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of mass equal to 50 kilograms, officially called a 'quintal' in some systems.
An approximate or informal term for 100 kilograms (not standard; 100kg is a quintal). Sometimes used historically in trade to refer to a 100-pound unit, but in a metric context can cause confusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both regions largely avoid this term in official/metric contexts. The traditional 'hundredweight' differs (UK: 112 lb, US: 100 lb). The 'metric' version is equally non-standard in both.
Connotations
Old-fashioned, imprecise, potentially confusing. Suggests an attempt to modernise an imperial unit rather than adopt proper metrication.
Frequency
Extremely rare. Found only in historical documents or in informal speech by those transitioning from imperial to metric systems.
Grammar
How to Use “metric hundredweight” in a Sentence
[NUM] metric hundredweight(s) of [NOUN]sell/buy/weigh [in] metric hundredweightsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metric hundredweight” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The old ledger used metric-hundredweight columns alongside tons.
- It was a metric-hundredweight sack.
American English
- They quoted a metric hundredweight price for the grain.
- The shipment was listed in metric hundredweight units.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually obsolete. Might appear in legacy agricultural or bulk commodity contracts from the mid-20th century.
Academic
Used only in historical or metrological studies discussing unit conversion and transitional systems.
Everyday
Not used. 'About 50 kilos' or 'half a quintal' would be preferred if the mass is understood.
Technical
Strongly discouraged. SI units (kg, t) are the required standard in science and engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metric hundredweight”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metric hundredweight”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metric hundredweight”
- Using it to mean 100 kg (confusion with centner).
- Assuming it is a standard, recognised unit.
- Spelling as 'metric hundred weight' (should be one word or hyphenated: hundredweight).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A quintal is officially 100 kg in many countries, but historically also 50 kg. 'Metric hundredweight' usually means 50 kg, aligning with the 100 lb hundredweight, but this is not standardised.
No. You should use kilograms (kg) or tonnes (t) for clarity and standardisation.
As a transitional, often informal, unit during the period when countries were converting from imperial to metric systems, to make the new values more familiar.
First, you must determine if the source means 50 kg or 100 kg. In most historical UK/US contexts referencing 'metric hundredweight', assume 50 kg. Always verify from context.
A unit of mass equal to 50 kilograms, officially called a 'quintal' in some systems.
Metric hundredweight is usually technical, historical, trade in register.
Metric hundredweight: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmet.rɪk ˈhʌn.drəd.weɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmet.rɪk ˈhʌn.drəd.weɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A metric hundredweight of trouble (humorous, very rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'METRIC' replaces 100 POUNDS with 100? No, with 50 KILOS. It's a half-hearted metric makeover of an old unit.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGING UNIT (a transitional concept between old and new measurement systems).
Practice
Quiz
Why is the term 'metric hundredweight' problematic in precise technical communication?