libra

noun

li·​bra
for senses 1 & 2a
ˈlē-brə How to pronounce libra (audio)
 sometimes  ˈlī-brə,
for sense 2b
ˈlē-brə How to pronounce libra (audio)
or
ˈlēv-rə How to pronounce libra (audio)
1
capitalized
a
: a southern zodiacal constellation between Virgo and Scorpio represented by a pair of scales
b(1)
: the seventh sign of the zodiac in astrology see Signs of the Zodiac Table
(2)
: one born under the sign of Libra
2
a
plural librae ˈlī-ˌbrē How to pronounce libra (audio)
ˈlē-ˌbrī
[Latin] : an ancient Roman unit of weight equal to 327.45 grams
b
[Spanish & Portuguese, from Latin] : any of various Spanish, Portuguese, Colombian, or Venezuelan units of weight

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin (genitive Librae), literally, scales, pound

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of libra was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near libra

Cite this Entry

“Libra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libra. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Libra

noun
Li·​bra
ˈlē-brə,
ˈlī-
1
: a group of stars between Virgo and Scorpio usually pictured as a balance scale
2
a
: the seventh sign of the zodiac see zodiac
b
: a person whose sign of the zodiac is Libra
Etymology

Middle English Libra "a group of stars between Virgo and Scorpio," from Latin libra, literally, "balance, scales" — related to deliberate, equilibrium

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