scale cube

English

noun
Definitions
  • (geology) A reference cube of standard, unitary size, normally one centimetre long, or one inch long for older American versions, placed beside a rock or meteorite sample to show scale and orientation during photography. Four sides of the cube are marked N, S, E, and W, respectively, to indicate the cardinal points of the compass, and the other two sides are marked T and B, for top and bottom.

Etymology

Compound from English scale + English cube.

Origin

English

cube

Gloss

Timeline

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