noun
Uncommon
petra
PEHT-ruh
Petra (noun) means an old unit of weight, roughly equal to 14 pounds, once used for measuring wool and similar goods. Example: “The merchant priced the wool by the petra rather than by the pound.”
noun
1
An old unit of weight, roughly equal to 14 pounds, once used for measuring wool and similar goods.
"The merchant priced the wool by the petra rather than by the pound."
How to use petra
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned weight measurement, about 14 pounds, historically used for goods like wool.
Memory tip
You will mostly meet this word in historical or antiquarian texts, not everyday speech — it is not a unit anyone uses today.
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The merchant priced the wool by the _____ rather than by the pound.
Etymology
From Latin petra, "rock" or "stone" — the same root behind words like "petrify."
Rhymes for petra
See all rhymes for petra →Frequently asked questions
What does “petra” mean?
The word “petra” means an old unit of weight, roughly equal to 14 pounds, once used for measuring wool and similar goods. In plain terms, an old-fashioned weight measurement, about 14 pounds, historically used for goods like wool.
How do you pronounce “petra”?
“Petra” is pronounced PEHT-ruh (/ˈpɛtɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “petra” in a sentence?
Here is “petra” used in a sentence: “The merchant priced the wool by the petra rather than by the pound.”
What part of speech is “petra”?
“Petra” is a noun.
Where does the word “petra” come from?
The word “petra” comes from Latin. From Latin petra, "rock" or "stone" — the same root behind words like "petrify.".
Is “petra” a common word?
“Petra” is an uncommon word in modern English.
