Twelve

/twelv/ numeral

Definition

Twelve is the number equal to ten plus two. It is often used for grouping things, like a dozen eggs.

Etymology

From Old English "twelf," from Proto‑Germanic roots meaning "two left over" (after counting to ten). The special word shows how important this number was in old counting systems.

Kelly Says

We still buy eggs and donuts in twelves because older cultures loved this number: it divides evenly by 2, 3, 4, and 6. That’s also why there are 12 months in a year and 12 hours on a clock face—twelve is a very "cooperative" number.

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