imperial measure crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "imperial measure crossword clue," meticulously organized by letter count to help you quickly complete your puzzle. We offer a range of answers and explanations to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Solutions for "imperial measure crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOOT: A unit of length in the imperial system, equal to 12 inches.
YARD: A traditional unit of length, equivalent to three feet or 36 inches.
INCH: A small unit of length, typically defined as 1/12 of a foot.
PINT: A unit of volume, usually for liquids, equal to one-eighth of a gallon.
ACRE: A unit of land area, historically defined as the amount of land a yoke of oxen could plough in one day.
MILE: A common imperial unit of distance, equal to 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards.
5 Letters
POUND: A common unit of mass or weight in the imperial system.
OUNCE: A small unit of weight, or a unit of volume, in the imperial system.
STONE: A unit of weight equal to 14 pounds, primarily used in the UK and Ireland for body weight.
QUART: A unit of liquid volume, equal to two pints or a quarter of a gallon.
6 Letters
GALLON: A unit of volume, primarily for liquids, equal to four quarts in the imperial system.
BUSHEL: A unit of dry volume, traditionally used for agricultural produce, equal to eight gallons.
7 Letters
FURLONG: A unit of distance, equal to 220 yards or one-eighth of a mile, often used in horse racing.
More About "imperial measure crossword clue"
The term "imperial measure" refers to a system of units for measuring length, area, volume, and weight that originated in the British Empire. Despite the global shift towards the metric system, these units remain deeply embedded in various cultures, particularly in the United Kingdom, Canada (though officially metric), and the United States, where they are known as US customary units. This legacy makes them a perennial favorite in crossword puzzles, as they offer a rich vocabulary with varying word lengths and often carry historical or idiomatic connotations.
From the precise "INCH" and "FOOT" to the larger "YARD" and "MILE," or the weighty "OUNCE" and "POUND," these terms are part of everyday language and continue to appear in various contexts. For instance, land is still often measured in "ACREs" and liquids in "GALLONs" in certain industries or regions. Their familiarity ensures that solvers, regardless of their primary measurement system, can often recall these terms, making them common and accessible clues.
Crossword setters often leverage the dual nature of these units – their common usage and their specific historical definitions – to create challenging yet fair clues. Being aware of the most common imperial measures and their relationships (e.g., 12 inches in a foot, 16 ounces in a pound) is a significant advantage when tackling such clues in your daily puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Word Lengths First: Always match the known letters and required length of the answer against the possible imperial measures. This often narrows down the options significantly.
- Consider Variations: Some clues might refer to specific types of imperial measures (e.g., "liquid measure" for PINT, QUART, GALLON, or "weight unit" for OUNCE, POUND, STONE).
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes clues for imperial measures might involve less common units like FURLONG or PECK, or even historical usage of common units. Expand your knowledge beyond just the basics.
- Use Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in to help confirm or rule out potential imperial measure answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an imperial measure?
Imperial measures are a system of weights and measures that originated in the British Empire. They include units like miles, yards, feet, inches for length; acres for area; gallons, quarts, pints for volume; and pounds, ounces, stones for weight. While many countries have adopted the metric system, imperial units are still commonly used in some regions, notably the United Kingdom and the United States (where they are often referred to as 'US customary units').
Why do imperial measures appear so often in crosswords?
Imperial measures are a rich source for crossword clues because they are familiar yet offer a diverse range of words with different lengths (e.g., INCH, FOOT, YARD, POUND, GALLON, FURLONG). Their specific definitions and historical context also allow for clever wordplay and misdirection, making them ideal for challenging puzzles.
Are there specific types of imperial measures I should know for crosswords?
Yes, for crosswords, it's beneficial to be familiar with common imperial units for length (inch, foot, yard, mile, furlong), weight (ounce, pound, stone), and volume (pint, quart, gallon, bushel, peck). Knowing their relationships (e.g., 12 inches in a foot) can also help unlock more complex clues.