ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cube

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈkjub// cube Archaic Informal

n. a solid object with six equal square sides, like a box or a die. You can also use this word for a shape that is cut into small, even squares.

n. a three-dimensional solid object bounded by six square faces, with three meeting at each vertex. In its culinary or physical sense, it refers to any roughly equilateral block of material.


SIMPLE

Add one ice cube to the glass.

CONTEXTUAL

The recipe asks you to cut the cold butter into small cubes before mixing it with the flour.

COMPLEX

The architect designed the museum as a series of interlocking glass cubes, creating a geometric silhouette that contrasts sharply with the surrounding organic landscape.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Old French cube, from Latin cubus, from Ancient Greek κύβος (kúbos).

Etymology 2

Clipped form of cubicle (with intentional reference to their common shape per cube, etymology 1), which from Latin cubiculum (“a small bedchamber or lounge”), from cubare (“to lie down”).

Usage

Commonly used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'ice cube' or 'sugar cube'.

Idioms1 entry

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