Main Entry: ¹me·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈmē-tər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English mēter, from Latin metrum, from Greek metron measure, meter; Anglo-French metre, from Latin metrum — more at measure

Date: before 12th century

1 a : systematically arranged and measured rhythm in verse: (1) : rhythm that continuously repeats a single basic pattern <iambic meter> (2) : rhythm characterized by regular recurrence of a systematic arrangement of basic patterns in larger figures <ballad meter> b : a measure or unit of metrical verse —usually used in combination <pentameter> — compare foot 4 c : a fixed metrical pattern : verse form
2 : the basic recurrent rhythmical pattern of note values, accents, and beats per measure in music