¹metric

noun met·ric \ˈme-trik\

Definition of METRIC

plural : a part of prosody that deals with metrical structure

: a standard of measurement <no metric exists that can be applied directly to happiness — Scientific Monthly>

: a mathematical function that associates a real nonnegative number analogous to distance with each pair of elements in a set such that the number is zero only if the two elements are identical, the number is the same regardless of the order in which the two elements are taken, and the number associated with one pair of elements plus that associated with one member of the pair and a third element is equal to or greater than the number associated with the other member of the pair and the third element

Origin of METRIC

Greek metrikē, from feminine of metrikos in meter, by measure, from metron measure — more at measure

First Known Use: 1760

Related to METRIC

Synonyms: bar, barometer, benchmark, criterion, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, standard, par, touchstone, yardstick

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

²metric

adjective

: of, relating to, or based on the metric system

Full Definition of METRIC

: of, relating to, or using the metric system <a metric study>

— met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See metric defined for English-language learners

See metric defined for kids

Origin of METRIC

French métrique, from mètre meter

First Known Use: 1864

Other Weights and Measures Terms

avoirdupois weight, calorie, denier, kip, pace, twain

METRIC Defined for Kids

metric

adjective met·ric \ˈme-trik\

Definition of METRIC for Kids

: of, relating to, or based on the metric system <metric measurements>

Word Root of METRIC

The Greek word metron, meaning “measure,” gives us the root metr. Words from the Greek metron have something to do with measuring. A thermometer is an instrument that measures temperature. A diameter is the measurement across the center of a circle. The metric system is a system used for measuring size, weight, and volume. A perimeter is the measurement of the outside of a figure or shape.

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