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meter1 definition

me·ter (mētər)

noun

    1. rhythm in verse; measured, patterned arrangement of syllables, primarily according to stress or length
    2. the specific rhythm as determined by the prevailing foot and the number of feet in the line iambic meter
    3. the specific rhythmic pattern of a stanza as determined by the kind and number of lines
  1. the basic pattern of beats in successive measures of a piece of music: it is usually indicated in the time signature
  2. Etymology: Fr mètre: see -meter

    the basic unit of linear measure in the metric system, equal to 39.3701 inches: now defined in the SI system as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second: abbrev. m

Etymology: ME metre < OFr < L metrum < Gr metron, measure < IE base *mē-, to mark off, measure

meter2 definition

me·ter (mētər)

noun

  1. Etymology: mete + -er

    a person who measures; esp., an official who measures commodities
  2. Etymology: < words ending in -meter

    1. an instrument or apparatus for measuring; esp., an apparatus for measuring and recording the quantity or rate of flow of gas, electricity, or water passing through it
    2. postage meter
    3. parking meter
    4. taximeter

transitive verb

  1. to measure or record with a meter or meters
  2. to provide in measured quantities
  3. ☆ to process (mail) in a postage meter

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