Metric-system definition

Any of various decimal systems of weights and measures; now, esp., the SI system, in which the centimeter, gram, and second or the meter, kilogram, and second are the basic units.
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A system of weights and measures that uses the gram, meter and liter as its primary units of weight, distance and capacity. The metric system is used all over the world except in the U.S., Liberia and Myanmar (formerly Burma). See space/time.COMMON METRIC EQUIVALENTSGrams Pounds Ounces gram .0022 .04 decagram (10) .0220 .35 hectogram (100) .2204 3.5 kilogram (1000) 2.2046 35.3 Liters 1 = 1.06 quarts 3.8 = 1 gallon Meters Feet 1 decameter (10 m) 33 1 hectometer (100 m) 328 1 kilometer (1000 m) 3281 Meters Inches 1 meter 39.37 1 centimeter .3937 1 millimeter .03937 1 micrometer .00003937 1 nanometer .00000003937
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The system of measurements developed in France in the 1790s and now used worldwide.
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The modern version of that system, Systeme Internationale d'Unites (International System of Units), or SI system of measurements that is based on the base units of the meter/metre, the kilogram, the second, the ampere, the kelvin, the mole, and the candela.

See Appendix on SI Units.

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Any variant of that system, that was not codified as SI, such as cgs.
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Attributive form of metric system.

Metric-system proponent.

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A decimal system of units based on the meter as a unit length, the kilogram as a unit mass, and the second as a unit time.
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A decimal system of weights and measures based on the meter as a unit of length, the kilogram as a unit of mass, and the liter as a unit of volume.
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Metric-system Sentence Examples

  • The French metric system is the official standard of weights and measures and is in use in the custom-houses of the republic and in foreign trade, but the old units are still commonly used among the people.

  • The weights and measures were still Russian, but the introduction of the metric system was contemplated in 1921.

  • The metric system was also introduced, mainly for railway purposes, in 1870 and 1871 (Indian Acts).

  • Mexico adopted the metric system in 1862, and it is used in all official transactions, land measurements, railway calculations and public school work.

  • The metric system of weights and measures has been adopted so widely that it forms the most suitable basis for the titrage or counts of yarns.

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