Metre
WordNet
noun
(1) Rhythm as given by division into parts of equal duration
(2) (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
(3) The basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
WiktionaryText
Etymology 1
From , from
Noun
- The basic unit of length in the International System of Units (SI: Système International d'Unités). It is equal to (approximately 39.37) imperial inches.
- 1797: The Monthly magazine and British register, No. 3
- The measures of length above the metre are ten times ... greater than the metre.
- 1873: The Young Englishwoman, April
- A dress length of 8 metres of the best quality costs 58 francs.
- 1928: The Observer, April 15
- The 12-metre yachts ... can be sailed efficiently with four paid hands.
- 1797: The Monthly magazine and British register, No. 3
Usage notes
- This, rather than meter, is the spelling adopted by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures for use in its publications.
Usage notes
The standard spelling of the verb meaning to measure is meter throughout the English-speaking world.
Etymology 2
From , from , from See #Etymology 1
Noun
- The rhythm or measure in verse and musical composition.