Furlong definitions
| Word backwards | gnolruf |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | fur-long |
| Plural | The plural of the word "furlong" is "furlongs." |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (2) | u,o |
| Consonants (5) | f,r,l,n,g |
Furlong is a unit of measurement used in the imperial system to measure distances. It is equal to 220 yards or one eighth of a mile. The term "furlong" originates from the Old English words "furh" meaning furrow and "lang" meaning long, which refers to the length of an ox-plowed furrow in ancient times.
Origin of Furlong
The furlong has been used as a unit of measurement for centuries, dating back to medieval times in England. It was originally defined as the length of a furrow in a cultivated field used by a pair of oxen. This distance was standardized over time to become the modern measurement of 220 yards.
Conversion and Use
In modern times, the furlong is mainly used in horse racing to measure the distance between the start and finish line. It is also used occasionally in agriculture and land surveying. One mile is equal to eight furlongs, making it a convenient measurement in certain contexts.
Relation to Other Units
The furlong is part of a system of units used in the imperial system, along with other measurements such as inches, feet, yards, and miles. It is lesser-known compared to more commonly used units like yards or miles but still holds significance in specific fields like horse racing.
Historical Significance Although not as widely used today as it once was, the furlong still holds historical significance in the development of measurement systems and serves as a reminder of ancient agricultural practices. Overall, while the furlong may not be a commonly used unit of measurement in daily life, it continues to play a role in certain niche fields and carries with it a rich history of its origins.Furlong Examples
- The horse race was measured in furlongs, not miles.
- He estimated that the apple orchard stretched for about half a furlong.
- The ancient Olympic stadium was about 600 feet long, or just over a furlong.
- The runner was in the lead by a few furlongs, showing no signs of slowing down.
- The historic road marker indicated that the town was just a furlong away.
- The farmer plowed a straight line for a furlong before turning the tractor around.
- They were surprised to learn that the fishing spot was only a short furlong from their campsite.
- The hiking trail led through fields and forests, measuring several furlongs in total.
- The real estate agent mentioned that the property extended for at least a furlong in each direction.
- The medieval castle was located at the end of a long furlong, surrounded by lush gardens.