Furlongs
Abbreviation/Symbol:
furlong
Worldwide use:
Furlongs, a unit of measurement commonly used in the United States and the United Kingdom, have a long history and are still occasionally used in certain contexts today. However, their worldwide use is quite limited compared to other more widely recognized units of measurement.
The furlong is primarily used in horse racing, where it is still a standard unit for measuring distances on the track. In the United States, it is also used in agriculture to measure the length of fields or the distance between landmarks. Additionally, furlongs are sometimes used in the aviation industry to measure runway lengths.
Outside of these specific industries, the use of furlongs is relatively rare. Most countries have adopted the metric system, which provides a more standardized and universally understood system of measurement. The metric system, with units such as meters and kilometers, is used in scientific research, engineering, and everyday life across the globe. As a result, the furlong is not commonly encountered or recognized outside of its traditional uses in horse racing and certain niche applications.
Definition:
A furlong is a unit of measurement commonly used in the imperial system, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is primarily used to measure distances in horse racing and is equivalent to one-eighth of a mile or 220 yards. The term "furlong" is derived from the Old English word "furhlang," which means "long furrow" or "furrow length."
Originally, a furlong represented the length of a furrow in a field, which was typically plowed by a team of oxen. This measurement was standardized to ensure consistency in agricultural practices. Over time, the furlong became a widely accepted unit of measurement for various purposes, including land surveying and horse racing.
Origin:
The origin of the unit of measurement known as the furlong can be traced back to medieval England. The word "furlong" is derived from the Old English words "furh" meaning "furrow" and "lang" meaning "long." In those times, the furlong was defined as the length of a furrow in a plowed field.
The furlong was widely used in agriculture and land measurement. It was considered a convenient unit for measuring distances between fields and determining the size of plots of land. In fact, the furlong was often used as a standard unit for land surveys and property boundaries.
Over time, the furlong became standardized to a specific length. In 1592, Queen Elizabeth I declared the furlong to be equal to 220 yards or one-eighth of a mile. This definition has remained in use in many English-speaking countries, including the United States.
Common references:
Epsom derby is run just over 12 furlongs.
Usage context:
Furlongs are a unit of measurement commonly used in the context of horse racing and equestrian sports. Derived from the Old English word "furh," meaning furrow or plowed land, a furlong originally referred to the length of a furrow in a field. Over time, it became standardized as a unit of distance, equal to one-eighth of a mile or 220 yards.
In the modern era, furlongs are primarily used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some Commonwealth countries to measure horse racing tracks. The length of a racecourse is often expressed in furlongs, with the standard distance for flat races being one mile (eight furlongs). This tradition dates back to the early days of horse racing when tracks were measured in furlongs due to their agricultural origins.
Furlongs are also occasionally used in other contexts, such as measuring the length of rivers or canals, especially in the UK. Additionally, they may be used in historical or literary contexts to describe distances traveled in the past. However, in most everyday situations, furlongs are not commonly used, and other units of measurement, such as kilometers or miles, are more widely understood and utilized.