Here's the fascinating reason why 'Lb' is the abbreviation for 'pound'

When it comes to measurements, most abbreviations are very straightforward.

Tbsp = tablespoon
Kg = kilogram
Cm = centimetre

But have you ever wondered why we use 'lb' for 'pounds'?

It turns out 'lb' is an abbreviation for the Latin word libra, which is the seventh sign of the zodiac and is symbolised by scales.

The primary meaning of libra was balance or scales.

But it also stood for the ancient Roman unit of measure libra pondo, meaning “a pound by weight.”

We got the word “pound” in English from pondo, while our abbreviation comes from the libra.

The libra is also why the symbol for the British pound is £ (an L with a line through it).

So there you go!