cubit

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   any of several ancient units of length based on the forearm from elbow to fingertip, commonly about 18 inches or 46 centimetres

   The builders marked a cubit on the measuring rod before laying the temple foundations.

2. 2
   noun

   archaic: the forearm or the ulna, the long bone on its inner side

   The anatomical commentary uses cubit as an old name for the forearm and its inner bone.

From Middle English cubit, from Latin cubitum, 'elbow' or 'forearm'. The body part supplied a convenient early standard of length, although the exact value of a cubit varied among ancient cultures and periods.

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