metric

noun

met·ric | \ ˈme-trik

Definition of metric

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

adjective

Definition of metric (Entry 2 of 3)

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

-metric

adjective combining form

variants: or -metrical

Definition of -metric (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : of, employing, or obtained by (such) a meter galvanometric

2 : of or relating to (such) an art, process, or science of measuring geometrical

Other Words from metric Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about metric

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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.

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: Noun

Within six years after graduating high school, nearly two-thirds of alumni no longer live in public housing, signaling a powerful metric of self-sufficiency. — Alison Kuznitz, BostonGlobe.com, "Breaking the cycle of poverty: Cambridge housing program prepares young residents for college," 8 Sep. 2019 Same-store sales — or sales in stores open at least a year, a key metric of a retailer’s health — rose 1.6% for the quarter. — Washington Post, "Best Buy 2Q profit beats estimates, but revenue misses," 29 Aug. 2019

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

History and Etymology for metric

Noun

Greek metrikē, from feminine of metrikos in meter, by measure, from metron measure — more at measure

Adjective

French métrique, from mètre meter

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More Definitions for metric

metric

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of metric

: of, relating to, or based on the metric system

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

metric

Definition of metric

Other Words from metric

Synonyms for metric

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Examples of metric in a Sentence

First Known Use of metric

History and Etymology for metric

English Language Learners Definition of metric

metric

Definition of metric

Other Words from metric

Synonyms for metric

Did You Know?

Examples of metric in a Sentence

First Known Use of metric

History and Etymology for metric

English Language Learners Definition of metric

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