measure
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1mea·sure
noun \ˈme-zhər, ˈmā-\Definition of MEASURE
1
a (1) : an adequate or due portion (2) : a moderate degree; also : moderation, temperance (3) : a fixed or suitable limit : bounds <rich beyond measure> b : the dimensions, capacity, or amount of something ascertained by measuring c : an estimate of what is to be expected (as of a person or situation) d (1) : a measured quantity (2) : amount, degree
2
a : an instrument or utensil for measuring b (1) : a standard or unit of measurement — see weight table (2) : a system of standard units of measure <metric measure>
3
: the act or process of measuring
4
a (1) : melody, tune (2) : dance; especially : a slow and stately dance b : rhythmic structure or movement : cadence: as (1) : poetic rhythm measured by temporal quantity or accent; specifically : meter (2) : musical time c (1) : a grouping of a specified number of musical beats located between two consecutive vertical lines on a staff (2) : a metrical unit : foot
5
: an exact divisor of a number
6
: a basis or standard of comparison <wealth is not a measure of happiness>
7
: a step planned or taken as a means to an end; specifically : a proposed legislative act
— for good measure
: in addition to the minimum required : as an extra
See Examples of MEASURE
- She felt equal measures of hope and fear.
- Their actions were motivated in large measure by a desire for revenge.
- An occasion like this calls for some measure of decorum.
- The meter is a measure of length.
- The dictionary includes a table of weights and measures.
- The legislature has passed a measure aimed at protecting consumers.
- The governor has proposed a number of cost-cutting measures.
- They were forced to resort to desperate measures.
- We need to take measures to protect ourselves.
Origin of MEASURE
Middle English mesure, from Anglo-French, from Latin mensura, from mensus, past participle of metiri to measure; akin to Old English mǣth measure, Greek metron
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
2measure
verbmea·suredmea·sur·ing \ˈme-zhə-riŋ, ˈmā-; ˈmezh-riŋ, ˈmāzh-\
Definition of MEASURE
transitive verb
1
2
: to allot or apportion in measured amounts <measure out three cups>
3
: to lay off by making measurements
4
: to ascertain the measurements of
5
: to estimate or appraise by a criterion <measures his skill against his rival>
6
archaic : to travel over : traverse
7
: to serve as a means of measuring <a thermometer measures temperature>
intransitive verb
1
: to take or make a measurement
2
: to have a specified measurement
— mea·sur·abil·i·ty \ˌme-zhə-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌmā-; ˌmezh-rə-, ˌmāzh-\ noun
— mea·sur·able \ˈme-zhə-rə-bəl, ˈmā-; ˈmezh-rə-, ˈmāzh-\ adjective
— mea·sur·ably \-blē\ adverb
— mea·sur·er \-zhər-ər\ noun
Examples of MEASURE
- using a ruler to measure a piece of paper
- an instrument for measuring air pressure
- mental abilities measured by IQ testing
- He's being measured for a new suit.
- His success cannot be measured solely on the basis of his popularity.
- The cloth measures 3 meters.
- The room measures 15 feet wide by 30 feet long.
First Known Use of MEASURE
14th century
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