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Meter: meaning, definitions and examples

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meter

 

[ˈmiːtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

measurement

A device used for measuring the quantity, extent, or capacity of something. It typically consists of a scale, dial, or digital display.

Synonyms

gauge, indicator, measure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meter

Used to measure and display quantities like electricity, water, or gas consumption.

  • The electric meter showed how much power we used last month
  • The water meter is located in the basement
gauge

Refers to a device used to measure pressure, thickness, or the level of something, often used in machinery and instruments.

  • Check the tire pressure with a gauge
  • The fuel gauge indicates there is only half a tank left
measure

Describes the general act of determining quantity, size, or degree using instruments or standard units.

  • It's important to measure the ingredients accurately when baking
  • Scientists measure temperature using various scales
indicator

Used to show a condition or trend, often as a part of a dashboard or a device.

  • The speedometer is an important indicator of driving speed
  • Economic indicators suggest growth in the next quarter

Examples of usage

  • The meter showed that the room temperature was 25 degrees Celsius.
  • The gas meter indicated that we were running low on fuel.
Context #2 | Noun

poetry

A rhythmical pattern of a poem, determined by the number and length of feet in a line.

Synonyms

beat, cadence, rhythm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meter

Used in poetry and music to describe the structured pattern of beats and accents.

  • The poem has a complex meter that gives it a unique flow.
  • Understanding the meter of this song helps break down its rhythm.
rhythm

Describes the overall flow of music or words, including the pattern of beats, stresses, and pauses.

  • She danced gracefully to the rhythm of the music.
  • The rhythm of the poem carried the reader through each stanza.
beat

Refers to the basic unit of time in music, the consistent pulse you can tap along to.

  • The drummer set a steady beat that everyone could follow.
  • Feel the beat and move your body to the music.
cadence

Often used to describe the rising and falling pitch in language or music, giving a sense of resolution or pause.

  • The cadence of his speech held the audience's attention.
  • This piece ends with a beautifully resolved cadence.

Examples of usage

  • The poem had a meter of iambic pentameter.
  • She studied the different types of meter used in classical poetry.
Context #3 | Verb

measure

To measure the quantity, extent, or capacity of something using a meter.

Synonyms

gauge, measure, quantify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meter

Mostly used to describe a device that measures and records the amount of something, or as a unit of length in the metric system.

  • The gas meter shows how much gas has been used
  • The distance between the two points is measured in meters
measure

Used to determine the size, amount, or degree of something, often without the use of a specialized instrument.

  • I need to measure the length of the table
  • It's important to measure the ingredients accurately for this recipe
gauge

Often used for instruments that measure the size, amount, or degree of something, typically showing it on a dial or display.

  • The fuel gauge indicates that the tank is half full
  • The pressure gauge shows that the pressure is within the safe range
quantify

Used to express or measure the quantity of something, typically in more scientific or statistical contexts.

  • Scientists need to quantify the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  • It is difficult to quantify the effects of the new policy

Examples of usage

  • She metered out the ingredients carefully for the recipe.
  • The electricity company will meter your usage each month.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'metron,' which means 'measure.'
  • It was first formally defined in the late 18th century during the French Revolution when the metric system was developed.
  • Initially, a meter was based on the length of a pendulum that takes one second to swing back and forth.

Science

  • It serves as the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI).
  • One meter is defined as the distance light travels in vacuo in 1/299,792,458 of a second, emphasizing its precision.
  • The meter is widely used in physics and engineering to keep measurements standardized globally.

Cultural Significance

  • Countries around the world utilize the metric system, making meter a key component of international trade.
  • In some sports, like track events, distances are often measured in meters, emphasizing its practical applications.
  • Poets also use meter to describe the rhythmic pattern of their verses, linking the word to art and creativity.

Education

  • Teaching about meters is foundational in science classes, introducing students to the metric system.
  • Conversion exercises from feet to meters help students understand different measurement systems.
  • Learning metric units like the meter prepares students for global engagement, as most countries use this system.

Technology

  • Modern devices, like laser range finders, can measure distances with incredible precision in meters.
  • In GIS (Geographic Information Systems), meter is a standard measurement unit for mapping and spatial analysis.
  • 3D printers often work with measurements in meters or centimeters, facilitating accurate design and production.

Translations

Translations of the word "meter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metro

🇮🇳 मीटर

🇩🇪 Meter

🇮🇩 meter

🇺🇦 метр

🇵🇱 metr

🇯🇵 メートル

🇫🇷 mètre

🇪🇸 metro

🇹🇷 metre

🇰🇷 미터

🇸🇦 متر

🇨🇿 metr

🇸🇰 meter

🇨🇳 米

🇸🇮 meter

🇮🇸 metri

🇰🇿 метр

🇬🇪 მეტრი

🇦🇿 metr

🇲🇽 metro

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,552, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.