Words / B2

KYOOB/kjuːb/

A cube is a solid with six equal square faces; as a verb, to multiply a number by itself twice (n cubed): cube the number; a cube of side 3 cm. Cuboid has rectangular faces; cubic (already related) is the adjective or the volume unit. Calculate the volume of the cube, showing the working. Mix-up: cube vs cubicle (already in the dictionary); ice-cube as a kitchen only; do not write cube for a brand of gadget with no geometry.

Meaning

A solid with six equal square faces; as a verb, to multiply a number by itself twice (n cubed).

Examples

• “Calculate the volume of the cube, showing the working, the maths paper said.”
• “Two cubed is 8 in the index laws question, which is the multiply-twice sense.”

Good to know

a cube of side; cube the number; n cubed / cube root. Related: cuboid / cubic. Trap: cubicle. Maths and science. A six-faced solid, or n × n × n — show the working.

Near in meaning

cuboid, hexahedron, block

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