Metrics
metric (metrik), a. (L.metricus, Gr. ?: cf. F. metrique. See
Meter rhythm.) 1. Relating to
measurement; involving, or proceeding by, measurement.
2. Of or pertaining to the meter as a
standard of measurement; of or pertaining to the decimal system of
measurement of which a meter is the unit; as, the metric
system; a metric measurement.
Metric analysis (Chem.), analysis by
volume; volumetric analysis. -- Metric system,
a system of weights and measures originating in France, the use
of which is required by law in many countries, and permitted in many
others, including the United States and England. The principal unit
is the meter (see Meter). From this are formed the
are, the liter, the stere, the gram, etc.
These units, and others derived from them, are divided decimally, and
larger units are formed from multiples by 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000.
The successive multiplies are designated by the prefixes, deca-
, hecto-, kilo-, and myria-; successive
parts by deci-, centi-, and milli-. The prefixes
mega- and micro- are sometimes used to denote a
multiple by one million, and the millionth part, respectively. See
the words formed with these prefixes in the Vocabulary. For metric
tables, see p. 1682.
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