Miskal
/ˈmɪs.kəl/noun
A traditional Middle Eastern unit of weight, varying historically but commonly equal to about 4.5 grams.
Did you know?The word comes from an Arabic root connected with weighing and heaviness, and the unit was historically used for precious materials such as gold and spices.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ṯ-q-l
“To be heavy or to weigh; the reconstructed root behind later Semitic terms for weight and heaviness.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
miṯqāl
“A unit of weight; literally a measure associated with weighing.”
Medieval Arabic and Persian usage
Arabic/Persian
miṯqāl / miskāl
“A standard weight used especially for coins, gold, silver, spices, and other valuable goods.”
Medieval and Early Modern English
English
miskal
“A borrowed name for a Middle Eastern weight, appearing in variant transliterations.”
Modern English
English
miskal
“An archaic or specialized term for a traditional Middle Eastern unit of weight, often approximated as 4.5 grams.”