This Is the Real Reason Why 'Pounds' Is Abbreviated to 'lbs'

In a world full of measurements, abbreviations are like quick shortcuts that identify a bunch of different units. From liters (L) and grams (g) to cups (c) , tablespoons (tbsp), teaspoons (tsp) and pints (pt), most of these popular abbreviations are pretty straightforward and easy to figure out the meaning of when you see them written out. They especially come into play when you’re baking something and a recipe calls for you to mix together a variety of ingredients. In that moment, knowing each individual abbreviation is like having a magic cheat sheet that keeps you from adding the wrong amount of one thing into the mixture you’re whipping up. But why is "pounds" abbreviated to "lbs"?

When it comes to pounds, the abbreviation for it doesn’t quite make as much sense as other measurements. The main reason is because unlike most abbreviations that align closely with the unit's name that they represent—the abbreviation for a pound is “lb.” The puzzling thing about that is that the word “pounds” doesn’t include an “L” or a “B” in it at all. Strange, right?

If you’re someone who has ever wondered how “lb/lbs” became the common way of shortening “pounds,” you're not the only one. That’s why we’re breaking it down for you so you can learn the real reason behind the decision. You might even be surprised to find out that it has a bit of an astrological connection. Find out what we mean, below!

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Why Is 'Pounds' Abbreviated to 'lbs'?

Believe it or not, the secret to this question’s answer lies in the ancient Roman world .

The abbreviation “lbs” comes from the Latin term “libra pondo,” which was a unit of weight used by the Romans and when translated is “pound weight” or “a pound by weight.” The word “libra” referred to the balance scale, while “pondo” meant “pound.”

Over time, the abbreviation “lb” emerged as a shorthand for “libra,” preserving a connection to this ancient system of measurement. So nowadays, when you see “lbs” written out, you’re actually catching a glimpse of Roman history, where these ancient units of measurement made their mark and still echo through the ages in our modern abbreviations.

But there’s also a cosmic connection to this abbreviation! The Latin word”“libra” also happens to be the name of the seventh zodiac sign, Libra , which is all about balance and harmony. Just as the Romans used “libra” for their scales, the astrological Libra symbolizes equilibrium and is represented by a set of scales. So, every time you see “lbs,” you can measure weight and tap into a bit of zodiac magic and cosmic balance.

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