# cubic

/ˈkjubɪk/ (US) · /kjˈuːbɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cubic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. units of volume

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

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

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

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

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

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

### 3. shape or symmetry

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- Salt crystals often have a simple cubic structure that you can see under a microscope.
- The mineral specimen was identified by its distinct cubic cleavage, a characteristic common to galena and halite crystals.

### 4. a type of curve

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

a line on a graph that represents a cubic equation.

For teachers: a curve or function of the third degree.

- The graph of the cubic showed a clear curve passing through the center.
- When plotted on a Cartesian plane, the cubic exhibits a characteristic S-shape with at most two turning points.

## Examples

- The box has a cubic shape.
- The swimming pool holds about five hundred cubic meters of water when it is completely full.
- Engineers must calculate the cubic capacity of the combustion chamber to determine the engine's total displacement and potential power output.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.