metric

1 of 3

noun

met·​ric ˈme-trik How to pronounce metric (audio)
Synonyms of metricnext
1
metrics plural : a part of prosody that deals with metrical (see metrical sense 1) structure
the analytical study of metric—T. S. Eliot
2
: a standard of measurement
no metric exists that can be applied directly to happiness—Scientific Monthly
3
: a mathematical function that associates a real nonnegative number analogous to distance with each pair of elements in a set such that the number is zero only if the two elements are identical, the number is the same regardless of the order in which the two elements are taken, and the number associated with one pair of elements plus that associated with one member of the pair and a third element is equal to or greater than the number associated with the other member of the pair and the third element

metric

2 of 3

adjective

: of, relating to, or using the metric system
a metric study

-metric

3 of 3

adjective combining form

variants or -metrical
1
: of, employing, or obtained by (such) a meter
galvanometric
2
: of or relating to (such) an art, process, or science of measuring
geometrical

Did you know?

The metric system was invented in France in the years following the French Revolution, and a version of it is now used in most of the world to measure distance, weight, and volume. Basic metric units include the kilogram (the basic unit of weight), the liter (the basic unit of volume), and of course the meter (the basic unit of length—see below). Metric—or more often metrical—can also refer to the basic underlying rhythm of songs and poetry. So while the scientists' measurements are usually metric, the poets' are usually metrical.

Synonyms

Noun

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of metric in a Sentence

Noun according to the usual metrics by which we judge fiction, this novel is an utter failure Adjective The metric unit of energy is the “joule.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Key metrics are displayed on either side of the control wheel (time and speed on the left; distance and calories on the right). —PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 The filing also details various financial metrics, including a decrease in average rate per contract due to a higher percentage of member trading and changes in product mix. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Billable hours are the metric law firms often use to measure the performance of their lawyers. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024 The stock market, a metric Trump returned to over and over during the relentless boasting of his presidency, has been reaching one after another. —David Faris, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metric 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

metric "metrical art, prosody" (in part borrowed from Late Latin metrica —short for ars metrica "metrical art"— from feminine of Latin metricus "metrical, rhythmic," borrowed from Greek metrikós; in part borrowed from Greek metrikḗ —short for metrikḕ téchnē "metrical craft"— or metriká, from, respectively, feminine singular and neuter plural of metrikós "by measurement, metrical") + -ics; (senses 2-3) probably noun derivative of metric "of measurement," earliest in mathematical use, probably after German Metrik — more at metrical

Adjective

borrowed from French métrique, from mètre meter entry 3 + -ique -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metric was in 1760

Phrases Containing metric

Dictionary Entries Near metric

-metric

metric

metrical

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Metric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metric. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

metric

adjective
met·​ric
ˈme-trik
1
: of, relating to, or based on the metric system
2
: metrical sense 1

Medical Definition

metric

adjective
met·​ric ˈme-trik How to pronounce metric (audio)
: of, relating to, or using the metric system
a metric study
metrically
-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce metric (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on metric

Nglish: Translation of metric for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of metric for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about metric

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