Definition of thirty

The word "thirty" originally came from the Old English word "þrieðig," which meant "third." This is because the number thirty was believed to have a connection to the concept of division by three. In medieval times, merchants often used the concept of division by thirds as a way to manage their goods. For example, a merchant might divide a group of thirty animals into three equal groups, each containing ten animals. This made it easier to sell and trade the animals, as it was simpler to deal with groups of ten rather than larger numbers. The process of dividing thirty into three segments also led to the development of certain sayings and idioms in the English language. For instance, the phrase "thirds all" became a common expression to describe a fair and equitable distribution of resources, often used in legal or political contexts where division is important. As English evolved over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the word "thirty" changed. However, its link to the concept of division by three persisted, and it remains an important number in various cultural contexts around the world. In some Native American societies, the number thirty is associated with physical and spiritual growth, and is considered a significant age for rites of passage.