tare

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noun \ ˈter \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of tare

1 a :the seed of a vetch

b :any of several vetches (especially Vicia sativa and V. hirsuta)

2 :a weed of grain fields especially of biblical times that is usually held to be the darnel

3 tares plural :an undesirable element

tare was our Word of the Day on 07/22/2017. Hear the podcast!

Origin and Etymology of tare

Middle English; probably akin to Middle Dutch tarwe wheat

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First Known Use: 14th century

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Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

tare

noun

Definition of tare

1 :a deduction from the gross weight of a substance and its container made in allowance for the weight of the container; also :the weight of the container

2 :counterweight

Origin and Etymology of tare

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Old Italian tara, from Arabic ṭarḥa, literally, that which is removed

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First Known Use: 15th century

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Other Weights and Measures Terms

avoirdupois weight, calorie, denier, kip, pace, twain

tare

verb

Definition of tare

tared; taring

transitive verb

1 :to ascertain or mark the tare of (see ²tare 1); especially :to weigh so as to determine the tare

a tared vessel

2 :to adjust (a scale on which an empty container has been placed) so as to reduce the displayed weight to zero

Balances are taken for granted now, and many tare themselves—among other features. Yet it's still important to remember the basics for accurate use of this most fundamental lab instrument.
—Chemistry

First Known Use of tare

1812

Other Weights and Measures Terms

avoirdupois weight, calorie, denier, kip, pace, twain

Medical Dictionary

tare

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noun \ ˈta(ə)r, ˈte(ə)r \

medical Definition of tare

1 :a deduction from the gross weight of a substance and its container made in allowance for the weight of the container

2 :an empty vessel that is similar in physical properties to a weighing container and that is used as a counterbalance to compensate for changes in the weight of the weighing container due to changes in environmental conditions (as temperature or moisture)