Dozen

A dozen eggs

A dozen articles equals twelve articles. Twelve dozen equals one gross.

The earliest known use of the duodecimal system was used by Mesopotamian astronomers. It is still used by dividing the year into twelve months, and the day into twelve daytime hours and twelve nighttime hours.

The dozen is still used as a generic quantity and its use still persists when selling chicken eggs (or those of other birds) that are still packaged by dozens or half dozen. In certain countries, such as Northern Europe and Anglo-Saxon nations, pastry cooks typically prepare twelve units at a time. Also, it is common in some countries to sell cakes, bottles of beer and other beverages, and some fruit in twelve-packs.

It can refer to a number of articles or people between 12 and 99 in dozens. Dozens of people went to the party. A dozen cars are parked in my garden.