The word "quintal" is spelled with five letters and has two distinct syllables: quin-tal. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the second syllable has the stress with a long "a" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be represented as /ˈkwɪnt(ə)l/. A quintal is a unit of weight equal to 100 kilograms or 220.5 pounds. It is commonly used in agriculture and fishing industries to measure the weight of crops such as grains or fish.
A quintal is a unit of weight or mass that is commonly used in the measurement of goods, particularly in agriculture and trade. Derived from the Latin word "quintalis," meaning "consisting of a fifth," a quintal represents one-fifth of a metric ton or 100 kilograms.
Historically, quintals were used in many countries as a standard unit for agricultural products and commodities. It provided an efficient way to measure bulk goods such as grains, seeds, and animal feed. Additionally, quintals were often utilized for weighing various goods during transportation and trading.
In modern usage, the quintal is still prevalent in certain regions, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. It serves as a practical tool for farmers, wholesalers, and traders to measure and quantify goods. Quintals are commonly used in the trade of products like coffee, rice, wheat, or other agricultural produce.
The quintal is denoted by the symbol "q" or "qtal." It provides a common reference point for calculating prices, determining export/import quantities, and ensures standardized measurement practices. Being an intermediate unit of weight, it aids in simplifying calculations that deal with larger quantities, offering convenience in numerous commercial and agricultural transactions.
A weight consisting of 100 lb. or 112 lb.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "quintal" originated from the French word "quintal", which in turn derives from the Latin word "quintale". The Latin term "quintale" was used to refer to a unit of weight equivalent to 100 pounds (45.36 kilograms). The term entered the English language in the late 17th century primarily to denote a unit of measurement for weight.