Mithqal
/ˈmɪθ.kɑːl/noun
A traditional Middle Eastern unit of weight, especially one used for gold, generally equivalent to about 4.25 grams.
Did you know?The mithqal was commonly used to weigh gold and precious substances, linking an ordinary measure directly to medieval systems of wealth, trade, and ritual adornment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ṯ-q-l
“To be heavy or weigh heavily”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ثَقُلَ (ṯaqula)
“To become heavy”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
مِثْقَال (miṯqāl)
“A measure of weight; literally, something associated with heaviness”
8th–10th Century
Arabic
miṯqāl
“A standard weight used particularly for gold and silver”
Medieval Period
Persian/Arabic
mithqāl
“A precious-metal weight and monetary measure across Islamic lands”
Modern English
English
mithqal
“A traditional Middle Eastern unit of weight, usually about 4.25 grams”