Definition of measure
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a(1) : an adequate or due portion
all too few of the British actresses … have received their measure of remembrance — Saturday Review
(3) : a fixed or suitable limit : bounds rich beyond measure
b : the dimensions, capacity, or amount of something ascertained by measuring
took his measure for a coat
c : an estimate of what is to be expected (as of a person or situation)
the measure of their tragedy is now beyond our imagination— G. F. Kennan
2a : an instrument (such as a yardstick) or utensil (such as a graduated cup) for measuring
b(1) : a standard or unit of measurement — see Weights and Measures Table
(2) : a system of standard units of measure
metric measure
3 : the act or process of measuring
settled by a measure made by a surveyor
b : rhythmic structure or movement : cadence: such as
(1) : poetic rhythm measured by temporal (see temporal entry 1 sense 3) quantity or accent specifically : meter
(2) : musical time
5 : an exact divisor of a number
6 being the greatest common measure of 42 and 12
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
took strong measures against the rebels specifically : a proposed legislative act sponsored an anti-inflation measure in the senate
for good measure
: in addition to the minimum required : as an extra
added another illustration for good measure
measure
verbDefinition of measure (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : to choose or control with cautious restraint : regulate measure his acts
b : to regulate by a standard : govern
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
7 : to serve as a means of measuring
a thermometer measures temperature
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Time Traveler for measure
The first known use of measure was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century