First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1meter
noun me·ter \ˈmē-tər\
Definition of METER
1
a : systematically arranged and measured rhythm in verse: (1) : rhythm that continuously repeats a single basic pattern <iambic meter> (2) : rhythm characterized by regular recurrence of a systematic arrangement of basic patterns in larger figures <ballad meter> b : a measure or unit of metrical verse —usually used in combination <pentameter> — compare foot 4 c : a fixed metrical pattern : verse form
2
: the basic recurrent rhythmical pattern of note values, accents, and beats per measure in music
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Origin of METER
Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English mēter, from Latin metrum, from Greek metron measure, meter; Anglo-French metre, from Latin metrum — more at measure
Other Literature Terms
2meter
noun met·er \ˈmē-tər\
Definition of METER
: one that measures; especially : an official measurer of commodities
Origin of METER
Middle English, from meten to mete
First Known Use: 14th century
3meter
noun me·ter
Definition of METER
: the base unit of length in the International System of Units that is equal to the distance traveled by light in a vacuum in 1⁄299,792,458 second or to about 39.37 inches — see metric system table
Origin of METER
French mètre, from Greek metron measure
First Known Use: 1797
4meter
noun me·ter
Definition of METER
1
: an instrument for measuring and sometimes recording the time or amount of something <a parking meter> <a gas meter>
2
: postage meter; also : a marking printed by a postage meter
Origin of METER
-meter
First Known Use: 1815
5meter
verb me·ter
Definition of METER
transitive verb
1
: to measure by means of a meter
2
: to supply in a measured or regulated amount
3
: to print postal indicia on by means of a postage meter
First Known Use of METER
1878
METER Defined for Kids
1meter
noun me·ter \ˈmē-tər\
Definition of METER for Kids
1
: a planned rhythm in poetry that is usually repeated
2
: the repeated pattern of musical beats in a measure
2meter
noun
Definition of METER for Kids
: a measure of length on which the metric system is based and which is equal to about 39.37 inches
3meter
noun
Definition of METER for Kids
: an instrument for measuring and sometimes recording the amount of something <a gas meter>
Learn More About METER
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