metric

noun

A measure for something; a means of deriving a quantitative measurement or approximation for otherwise qualitative phenomena (especially used in engineering).

(mathematical analysis) A function which satisfies a particular set of formal conditions, created to generalize the notion of the distance between two points. Formally, a real-valued function d on M×M, where M is a set, is called a metric if (1) d(x,y)=0 if and only if x=y, (2) d(x,y)=d(y,x) for all pairs (x,y), and (3) d obeys the triangle inequality.

(mathematics) A metric tensor.

Abbreviation of metric system. [The system of units developed in France in the 1790s and now used worldwide.]

verb

(transitive, aerospace, systems engineering) To measure or analyse statistical data concerning the quality or effectiveness of a process.

adjective

Of or relating to the metric system of measurement.

(music) Of or relating to the meter of a piece of music.

(mathematics, physics) Of or relating to distance.

Roots

metronmetr- · Greek · measure

Synonyms for metric

measuredadj measuringn quantitativeadj mensuraladj

Synonyms & related words for metric

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Words related to metric

Explore words related to metric — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include metricize, metricate, isodiametric, metrical, metrication, cliometric, measurement, metrically. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for metric

Common synonyms for metric include measured, measuring, quantitative, mensural — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does metric come from?

The word metric breaks down into one root of Greek origin: the root metr-, from Greek metron (“measure”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.