Mile: Difference between revisions
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The '''mile''' is a unit of | The '''mile''' (abbreviation: '''mi''') is a unit of length in the [[U.S. customary units|United States customary]] and in the [[Imperial units|Imperial]] [[systems of measurement]]. The mile is 5,280 [[foot (measure)|feet]] long, or exactly 1,609.344 [[metre|m]]. | ||
The mile derives originally from the Roman ''mille passuum'', or "thousand paces". Countries and cultures influenced by the Romans have had a variety of measures called "mile" of similar lengths. | The mile derives originally from the Roman ''mille passuum'', or "thousand paces". Countries and cultures influenced by the Romans have had a variety of measures called "mile" of similar lengths. | ||
Revision as of 17:38, 6 June 2010
- See also: U.S. customary units
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The mile (abbreviation: mi) is a unit of length in the United States customary and in the Imperial systems of measurement. The mile is 5,280 feet long, or exactly 1,609.344 m.
The mile derives originally from the Roman mille passuum, or "thousand paces". Countries and cultures influenced by the Romans have had a variety of measures called "mile" of similar lengths.
The mile is subdivided into 8 furlongs, a unit which has largely passed out of use except in horse-racing. The league was either 3 miles or 6 miles.
The mile most commonly referred to is the statute mile. There is also a nautical mile, originally defined as the distance of one minute of arc along a meridian, and now defined as 1852m exactly, about 6076.1155 feet.
The mile is used today in the United States and the United Kingdom. Both countries continue to use it in official capacities, especially in transport. In some other countries, such as Australia and the Republic of Ireland, the mile continues to be used unofficially by members of the general public.