Meter: meaning, definitions and examples

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meter

 

[ ˈmiːtər ]

Noun / Verb
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.

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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.

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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

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

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 meter

🇮🇸 metri

🇰🇿 метр

🇬🇪 მეტრი

🇦🇿 metr

🇲🇽 metro

Etymology

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.