First Known Use: 1760
Dictionary
1metric
noun met·ric \ˈme-trik\
Definition of METRIC
1
plural : a part of prosody that deals with metrical structure
2
: a standard of measurement <no metric exists that can be applied directly to happiness — Scientific Monthly>
3
: 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
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Origin of METRIC
Greek metrikē, from feminine of metrikos in meter, by measure, from metron measure — more at measure
Related to METRIC
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
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
METRIC[1] 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.
Medical Dictionary
metric
adjective met·ric \ˈme-trik\
Medical Definition of METRIC
: of, relating to, or using the metric system <a metric study>
—met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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