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metric ton

noun
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Definition of metric ton

: a unit of mass equal to 1000 kilograms — see Metric System Table

Examples of metric ton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web By the end of the year, emissions from industrial activities and the burning of fossil fuels will pump an estimated 36.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. — Chelsea Harvey, Science | AAAS, "Greenhouse gas emissions this year to set new record, but rate of growth shrinks," 4 Dec. 2019 In July, the hottest month ever recorded on Earth, the Greenland ice sheet shed more than 30 billion metric tons of ice in three days. — Cheryl Katz, National Geographic, "Why is an ocean current critical to world weather losing steam? Scientists search the Arctic for answers.," 2 Dec. 2019 Last year, China's crude oil production decreased 1.3% to 189 million metric tons, a third straight year of decline. — Laura He, CNN, "China depends on foreign oil. The Saudi attack is a wake-up call," 20 Sep. 2019 That’s down from nearly 127 million metric tons in 2015 and 133 million metric tons in 2010. — USA TODAY, "Barbie, Tupac, scorpions and Red Vines: News from around our 50 states," 19 July 2019 With continued warming and deforestation, the analysis found that 16 percent of the southern Brazilian Amazon could burn by 2050, releasing up to 17 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide. — Ula Chrobak, Popular Science, "The Amazon stores tons of carbon. Climate change-fueled wildfires could ruin that.," 10 Jan. 2020 Scientists estimate the mass of the dust trail could tip the scales at around 1 billion metric tons. — Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, "How to Watch the Incredible Annual Geminid Meteor Shower Tonight," 13 Dec. 2019 An Afghan special forces helicopter swooped down on two vehicles racing through the desert, seizing nearly a metric ton of opium, light and heavy weapons, ammunition and satellite phones. — Mujib Mashal, New York Times, "Opium-Smuggling Taliban Leader’s Release From Prison Raises Questions," 7 Oct. 2019 Peatland restoration, for example, can trap a metric ton of CO₂ per year for about $16. — Ciara Nugent / Wallasea Island, Time, "The Best Way to Save Nature? More Nature," 12 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'metric ton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of metric ton

1864, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for metric ton

Time Traveler

The first known use of metric ton was in 1864

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Statistics for metric ton

Last Updated

16 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Metric ton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metric%20ton. Accessed 27 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for metric ton

metric ton

noun

English Language Learners Definition of metric ton

: a unit of mass and weight equal to one million grams

See the full definition for metric ton in the English Language Learners Dictionary

metric ton

noun

Kids Definition of metric ton

: a unit of weight equal to 1000 kilograms

More from Merriam-Webster on metric ton

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about metric ton

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