Definition

A type of balance used for weighing objects, featuring a long arm with a hook on one end for hanging the item and a movable weight on the other end to measure the weight accurately.

Example

The merchant used a steelyard to weigh the sacks of grain before selling them.

Conversation

Have you ever used a steelyard for weighing things?

No, I haven't, but I've heard they can be really accurate.

Yeah, I saw one in a shop the other day; it looked interesting.

I should check it out; maybe it would be fun to try weighing stuff with it!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Steelyard** → The word 'steelyard' is formed from 'steel' (from Old English *stæle*, meaning a hard, strong metal) and 'yard' (from Old English *gyrd*, meaning a rod or stick). A steelyard is a type of balance or scale that uses a beam and a movable weight, traditionally made of steel, to measure weight.

Memory Tip

Think of a strong metal ('steel') used in a balancing rod ('yard') — that's how a steelyard measures weight.

Visually Confused Words