Main Entry:

¹mea·sure

Pronunciation:

\ˈme-zhər, ˈmā-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

13th century

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, degree2 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 measuring4 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 : foot5: an exact divisor of a number6: 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