Definition

A unit of force used in a specific measurement system, which is the force needed to accelerate a one-pound mass by one foot per second squared.

Example

The engineer calculated the force in poundals to determine the system's efficiency.

Conversation

Did you know that a poundal is a unit of force?

Really? I’ve never heard of that before!

Yeah, it’s used in some engineering fields.

That’s interesting! I wonder how it compares to other units of force.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Poundal → The word is formed from "pound" (from Old English *pund*, meaning a weight) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). Thus, a poundal refers to something pertaining to the weight of a pound, specifically in the context of force.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pound' as a unit of weight, and remember that 'poundal' relates to something that is connected to that weight.

Visually Confused Words