Why ‘Lb’ Is Still the Symbol for Pound

Latin is the reason that this strange abbreviation comes from a related (but entirely different) word.

Science Why 'Lb' Is Still the Symbol for Pound The word "pound" is short for "pound weight," which was libra pondo in Latin. The libra part of the phrase referred to both weight and balance scales. Here's why this strange abbreviation comes from a related (but entirely different) word. READ NOW Advertisement READ THESE When Does Copyright Expire? How to Search for Patents by Inventor Online Can You Name 5 Women Artists? You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Today I Learned newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here A Dotdash Brand 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2018 Dotdash - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.