quarter-pound
UK[ˌkwɔːtəˈpaʊnd]US[ˌkwɔːrtərˈpaʊnd]
n
A unit of weight equal to a quarter of a pound (avoirdupois), equivalent to 4 ounces or approximately 113.4 grams.
n
(often attributive) Used to describe a product, especially a hamburger, that weighs this amount.
Morpheme Breakdown
quarter
pound
quarter
one fourth
pound
unit of weight
Etymology
The word is a straightforward Modern English compound, transparently combining two units of measurement. 'Quarter' originates from the Latin quartus, meaning 'fourth', which passed into English through Anglo-Norman and Old French, solidifying its meaning as one of four equal parts. 'Pound' has a dual heritage, entering Old English from the Latin pondo ('by weight') while its abbreviation 'lb' comes from libra, the Roman unit of weight. The compound 'quarter-pound' logically fuses these elements, creating a precise term for a weight equal to one-fourth of a pound, a formulation that became culturally prominent in the 20th century with the marketing of specific food items, most notably hamburgers.
Analysis
Structure: quarter (one fourth) + pound (unit of weight)
quarter: From Latin quartarius (a fourth part), via Old French quartier. In this compound, it functions as a numerical prefix denoting one fourth.
pound: From Old English pund (a weight, a measure of money), from Latin pondo (by weight). In this compound, it functions as the base noun specifying the unit of measurement.
Examples
The recipe calls for a quarter-pound of butter.
He ordered a quarter-pound cheeseburger with fries.
The new regulations limit parcels to under a quarter-pound for this shipping tier.