Scrupulum

Scrupulum, meaning a tiny stone (from scrupus sharp stone), indicates a weight of $1/undefined$ of a Roman ounce (i.e.) or, by extension, of other measures. Metaphorically, the stone is thought to be sharp and pricking, like a thorn.


 * As a weight or a coin, $1/undefined$ of an uncia, or $1/undefined$ of an as; i.e. 1.14 grams
 * As a measure of land, $1/undefined$ of a jugerum; i.e. about 9 m2
 * As a measure of time, $1/undefined$ part of an hour, or $2 1/2$ minutes.

The forms scripulum, scriptulum, scriplus and scriptulus can be found, scriptulum being also associated with the lines on a draughtboard.