cube

 
Pronunciation: /kjuːb/

noun

  • 1a symmetrical three-dimensional shape, either solid or hollow, contained by six equal squares: what is the surface area of a 2 cm cube? it was a rough shape, neither a cube nor a sphere
  • a block of something with six sides: a sugar cube
  • a partitioned-off area in an office containing a desk; a cubicle.
  • 2 Mathematics the product of a number multiplied by its square, represented by a superscript figure 3: a body increasing in weight by the cube of its length

verb

[with object]
  • 1 Mathematics raise (a number or value) to its cube: cube the deviations from the mean 1200 metres cubed
  • 2cut (food) into small cubes: I bought sirloin from the butcher and cubed it myself

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Old French, or via Latin from Greek kubos