- measure
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I. noun
Etymology: Middle English mesure, from Anglo-French, from Latin mensura, from mensus, past participle of metiri to measure; akin to Old English mǣth measure, Greek metron
Date: 13th century
1.
a.
(1) an adequate or due portion
(2) a moderate degree; also moderation, temperance
(3) a fixed or suitable limit ; bounds <rich beyond measure> b. the dimensions, capacity, or amount of something ascertained by measuring c. an estimate of what is to be expected (as of a person or situation) d. (1) a measured quantity (2) amount, degree 2. a. an instrument or utensil for measuring b. (1) a standard or unit of measurement — see weight table (2) a system of standard units of measure <metric measure> 3. the act or process of measuring 4. a. (1) melody, tune (2) dance; especially a slow and stately dance b. rhythmic structure or movement ; cadence: as (1) poetic rhythm measured by temporal quantity or accent; specifically meter (2) musical time c. (1) a grouping of a specified number of musical beats located between two consecutive vertical lines on a staff (2) a metrical unit ; foot 5. an exact divisor of a number 6. a basis or standard of comparison <wealth is not a measure of happiness> 7. a step planned or taken as a means to an end; specifically a proposed legislative act II. verb (measured; measuring) Date: 14th century transitive verb 1. a. to choose or control with cautious restraint ; regulate <measure his acts> b. to regulate by a standard ; govern 2. to allot or apportion in measured amounts <measure out three cups> 3. to lay off by making measurements 4. to ascertain the measurements of 5. to estimate or appraise by a criterion <measures his skill against his rival> 6. archaic to travel over ; traverse 7. to serve as a means of measuring <a thermometer measures temperature> intransitive verb 1. to take or make a measurement 2. to have a specified measurement • measurability noun • measurable adjective • measurably adverb • measurer noun
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.