meter etymology

Etymology

The word "meter" originates from the Greek word "métron," meaning "measure." It entered English in the 15th century from Middle French.

Meaning and Origin of Different Senses

• Unit of Length: In the 18th century, the meter was defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from the North Pole to the Equator along the meridian passing through Paris. This definition was later standardized internationally as the SI unit of length.
• Rhythm in Poetry or Music: In the 18th century, "meter" began to be used to describe the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry and music.
• Measuring Instrument: The term "meter" is also used for various devices used to measure quantities such as electricity, water, or gas consumption. These devices typically have a dial or display that indicates the measured value.
• Measurement of Time: In the 19th century, "meter" was extended to describe the measurement of time, often in the context of rhythm or tempo.
• Photography: In photography, a "meter" is a device used to determine the correct exposure settings based on the available light and scene conditions.

• Other Specialized Uses: The word "meter" is also used in various specialized contexts, such as:

  • Meter Maid: A parking enforcement officer
  • Taximeter: A device installed in taxis to measure the distance and fare
  • Exposure Meter: A device used in cinematography to measure light intensity

meter relate terms

• mete

  Etymology The word mete comes from the Old English word met which means a measure

• pentameter

  Etymology Pentameter comes from the Greek words pente five and metron measure M

• five

  Etymology is the study of the history of words their origins and how their form and mean

• meter

  Etymology The word meter originates from the Greek word métron meaning measure I

• matriculate

  Etymology Latin matriculare to enroll register Late Latin matriculatus enrolled

• metric

  Etymology The word metric is derived from the Greek word metron which means measure

• scan

  Etymology The word scan comes from the Latin scandere which means to climb or to

• elegiac

  Etymology The word elegiac originates from the Greek adjective elegeios which is deri

• Sapphic

  Etymology Sappho an ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos who wrote passionate

• cadence

  Etymology and Origin The word cadence derives from the Latin word cadentia meaning

• item

  Item Etymology Latin item also likewise besides Meaning A single or individ

• time

  Etymology Old English tîma time period hour West Germanic tîmon Proto Germanic