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Meter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'meter'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'meter' has its origins in the Greek word 'metron', which means 'measure'. The concept of measurement has been essential throughout human history, from ancient civilizations using physical standards to modern scientific instruments. The term 'meter' is widely used in various fields such as science, technology, and everyday life to quantify and assess different parameters. It reflects our continuous need to understand and quantify the world around us.

See also: centimeter, metronome, micrometer, micronometer.

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.