What does "cubic" mean?

1. (units of volume) used with units of length to measure the volume of a three-dimensional space. 2. (math equations) relating to a mathematical equation where the highest power is three. 3. (shape or symmetry) having the shape of a cube or having three equal sides at right angles. 4. (a type of curve) a line on a graph that represents a cubic equation.

How do you use "cubic"?

Always placed before the unit of measurement. Typically modifies nouns like 'equation', 'function', or 'polynomial'.

cubic

adj. · n.

US //ˈkjubɪk// UK //kjˈuːbɪk// cu·bic

1 units of volume (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

used with units of length to measure the volume of a three-dimensional space.

denoting a unit of volume equal to the volume of a cube whose side is one unit of length.

Example

The small swimming pool holds about thirty cubic metres of water.

Example

The shipping container has a total capacity of sixty-seven cubic metres, though practical loading constraints often reduce the usable volume.

Usage

Always placed before the unit of measurement.
2 math equations (adj.)
C1 Advanced Academic Technical Math

relating to a mathematical equation where the highest power is three.

relating to a polynomial or equation of the third degree, involving a variable raised to the power of three.

Example

The students learned how to solve a cubic equation in their advanced math class.

Example

The researcher utilised a cubic function to model the non-linear growth observed in the early stages of the chemical reaction.

Usage

Typically modifies nouns like 'equation', 'function', or 'polynomial'.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 shape or symmetry (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

having the shape of a cube or having three equal sides at right angles.

having three equal axes at right angles to each other, especially in crystallography.

Example

Salt crystals often have a simple cubic structure that you can see under a microscope.

Example

The mineral specimen was identified by its distinct cubic cleavage, a characteristic common to galena and halite crystals.
- cube shaped
4 a type of curve (n.)
C2 Proficiency Academic Technical Math

a line on a graph that represents a cubic equation.

a curve or function of the third degree.

Example

The graph of the cubic showed a clear curve passing through the center.

Example

When plotted on a Cartesian plane, the cubic exhibits a characteristic S-shape with at most two turning points.

Origin

From Middle French cubique, equivalent to cube + -ic.