tare

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈter 

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

2 of 3

noun (2)

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

tare

3 of 3

verb

tared; taring

transitive verb

1

: to ascertain or mark the tare of (see tare entry 2 sense 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

Did you know?

Tare came to English by way of Middle French from the Old Italian term tara, which is itself from the Arabic word ṭarḥa, meaning "that which is removed." One of the first known written records of the word tare in English is found in the naval inventories of Britain's King Henry VII. The record shows two barrels of gunpowder weighing, "besides the tare," 500 pounds. When used of vehicles, tare weight refers to a vehicle's weight exclusive of any load. The term tare is closely tied to net weight, which is defined as "weight excluding all tare."

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English; probably akin to Middle Dutch tarwe wheat

Noun (2)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

tare

noun

ˈta(ə)r,

ˈte(ə)r

: a weed of grain fields especially of biblical times

Medical Definition

tare

1 of 2 noun

ˈta(ə)r, ˈte(ə)r 

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)

tare

2 of 2 transitive verb

tared; taring

: to ascertain or mark the tare of

especially : to weigh so as to determine the tare