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REFERENCE

cube

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈkjub// cube
  1. 1 the shape (n.)
    A2 Elementary Math

    a solid object with six equal square sides.

    a regular hexahedron consisting of six identical square faces meeting at right angles.

    Example

    The child played with a wooden cube that had a different letter on each side.

    Example

    The architect designed the pavilion as a perfect glass cube, creating a striking geometric contrast with the organic shapes of the surrounding park.
  2. 2 math power (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Math

    the result of multiplying a number by itself twice.

    the third power of a quantity, representing the volume of a cube with sides of that length.

    Example

    The cube of 3 is 27 because 3 times 3 times 3 equals 27.

    Example

    In the final step of the equation, the student had to calculate the cube of the variable to determine the total volume.
    • third power
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  1. 3 office cubicle (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a small workspace in an office with low walls.

    an informal term for a cubicle, specifically a partially enclosed workspace in an open-plan office.

    Example

    I spent the whole afternoon at my cube working on the budget report.

    Example

    The modern office layout replaced traditional private rooms with rows of identical cubes to encourage a more collaborative environment.
  2. 4 puzzle (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a puzzle like a Rubik's Cube where you twist the sides.

    a twisty puzzle, typically a 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube or its variants.

    Example

    He can solve the cube in less than thirty seconds.

    Example

    Competitive speedcubers often lubricate their cubes to reduce friction and achieve faster turning speeds during tournaments.
    • rubik's cube
    • twisty puzzle
  3. 5 to cut into squares (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    to cut food into small, square pieces.

    to dice or cut a substance into small cubic shapes.

    Example

    First, cube the potatoes and boil them until they are soft.

    Example

    The recipe instructs the chef to cube the cold butter into uniform pieces before incorporating it into the flour mixture.
  4. 6 to multiply twice (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    to multiply a number by itself two times.

    to raise a number or mathematical expression to the third power.

    Example

    If you cube five, you get one hundred and twenty-five.

    Example

    To find the volume of the container, you must cube the length of one of its internal edges.

  5. 7 measurement unit (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    used after a unit of measurement to show volume.

    a postpositional adjective used to denote a unit of volume formed by the third power of a linear measure.

    Example

    The engine has a capacity of 350 inches cube.

    Example

    The specifications listed the displacement as 500 centimeters cube, though 'cubic centimeters' is the more frequent phrasing in modern manuals.

    Usage

    Always follows the unit of measurement.
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”).

Idioms1 entry

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