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poundal

noun

pound·​al ˈpau̇n-dᵊl How to pronounce poundal (audio)
: a unit of force equal to the force that would give a free mass of one pound an acceleration of one foot per second per second

Word History

Etymology

pound entry 1 + -al (as in quintal)

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poundal was in 1879

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poundal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poundal. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

poundal

noun
pound·​al ˈpau̇nd-ᵊl How to pronounce poundal (audio)
: a unit of force equal to the force that would give a free mass of one pound an acceleration of one foot per second per second
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