, meaning a tiny stone (from sharp stone), indicates a weight of 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, of an , or of an as; i.e. 1.14 gramsCIC. Att. 4, 16, 13; VITR. 7, 8; COL. 12, 28, 1. As a measure of land, of a ; i.e. about VARR. R. 1, 10, 2; COL. 5, 1, 8 As a measure of time, part of an hour, or minutes.M. AUREL. d.; FRONT. Caes. 2, 9

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

See also Roman currency

References , Hachette 1934