Unit of length (4) Crossword Clue
Answer: POLE (4 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Unit of length" with 4 letters is "POLE". A pole is a unit of length, also known as a rod, equal to 16.5 feet or 5.03 meters, commonly used in land measurement, especially in surveying. It is still used today in certain contexts like real estate and agricultural measurements.
Why “Pole” Fits
The clue asks for a 4-letter word meaning “unit of length.” The answer, POLE, fits neatly:
- Unit of length: Historically, a “pole” is a unit of linear measurement, also known as a “rod” or “perch.”
- Specifics: A pole is equivalent to 16.5 feet or 5.5 yards, and has been used especially in land surveying.
This direct definition makes “POLE” a concise and precise solution to the clue.
The word “pole” in measurement comes from the Old English “pal,” meaning stake or stick, which was used as a standard measuring rod:
- Surveying: Poles were used to measure land area and plot boundaries—an important role before modern tools.
- Variants: The same unit is sometimes called a rod or a perch, but “pole” is the 4-letter synonym that fits this clue.
- Obsolete but preserved: "Pole" isn’t in modern metric use, but it still appears in historical and property contexts.
So “pole” naturally bridges the specific concept of a traditional unit of length with the general category of measurement.
In quick crosswords, clues like “unit of length”:
- Often require knowledge of old or less common measurement terms.
- Four-letter units are limited, so knowing historical measures (like “pole,” “yard,” or “foot”) is helpful.
- Tip: When “unit” is used in the clue, scan your memory for both standard and old-fashioned terms—especially those used in English-speaking countries.
Spotting the connection between everyday meanings (a pole as a stick) and technical usage (a pole as a length) can reveal the answer quickly.