late 145c., metathesis of Middle English thrittene, from Old English þreotene (Mercian), þreotiene (West Saxon), from þreo "three" (see three) + -tene (see -teen). Similar formation in Old Saxon thriutein, Old Frisian thretten, Dutch dertien, German dreizehn, Old Norse threttan, Swedish tretton. As a noun from late Old English.
Not an unlucky number in medieval England, but associated rather with the customary "extra item" (as in baker's dozen). Superstitions began with association with the Last Supper, and the unluckiness of 13 sitting down together to dine (attested from 1690s). Most of the modern superstitions (buildings with floor "12-A," etc.) have developed since 1890.
实用例句
1. Cairo has only thirteen square centimetres of green space for each inhabitant.
开罗居民的人均绿地面积仅13平方厘米。
来自柯林斯例句
2. A thirteen year old girl is being treated after breathing in smoke.
一名13岁的小姑娘因吸入浓烟正在接受治疗。
来自柯林斯例句
3. No fewer than thirteen foreign ministers attended the session.
至少有13国外长出席了这届会议。
来自柯林斯例句
4. His resignation after thirteen years is a political bombshell.
他任职13年后提出辞职，这在政治上轰动一时。
来自柯林斯例句
5. Thirteen per cent of Christie's coin and banknote auction went unsold.
