noun
- the extent, dimensions, capacity, etc. of anything, esp. as determined by a standard
- the act or process of determining extent, dimensions, etc.; measurement
- a standard for determining extent, dimensions, etc.; unit of measurement, as an inch, yard, or bushel
- any standard of valuation, comparison, judgment, etc.; criterion
- a system of measurement: dry measure, board measure
- an instrument for measuring, or a container of standard capacity: a quart measure
- a definite quantity measured out or thought of as measured
- an extent or degree not to be exceeded: remain within measure
- proportion, quantity, or degree: in large measure
- a procedure; course of action; step: take measures to stop him
- a legislative bill, resolution, etc. that is proposed or has been enacted
- rhythm in verse; meter
- a metrical unit; foot of verse
- Archaic a dance or dance movement, esp. if slow and stately
- Old Poet. a melody or tune
- Geol., Rare related beds or strata, as of coal
- Music the notes or rests, or both, contained between two vertical lines on the staff; bar
- Printing the width of a column or page
Origin:
ME mesure < OFr < L mensura < mensus, pp. of metiri, to measure < IE base *mē-, to measure > meal, Sans mātrā, a measure, Gr metron
transitive verb measured, measuring
- to find out or estimate the extent, dimensions, etc. of, esp. by the use of a standard
- to get, take, set apart, or mark off by measuring: often with off or out
- to estimate by comparison; judge; appraise: to measure one's foe
- to bring into comparison or rivalry: with against: to measure one's skill against another's
- to be a measure of: a clock measures time
- to adjust or proportion by a standard: to measure a speech by the listeners' reactions
- to choose or weigh carefully (one's words or actions)
- Now Rare to go over or through; traverse as if measuring
Origin:
ME mesuren < OFr mesurer < LL mensurare, to measure < the Latin n.