meter Definition

meter¹
noun

1. An instrument for measuring and recording, especially quantities of electricity, gas, water, etc used.
2. A parking-meter.

verb

metered, metering
1. To measure and record (eg electricity) using a meter.

Etymology: 19c: first used in the sense ‘gas-meter'; see -meter and also mete.

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meter² metre¹metre²

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metre¹
meter
noun

1. In the SI system: the principal unit of length, equal to 39.37in or 1.094yd.

Etymology: 18c: from French mètre, from Greek metron a measure.

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metre²
meter
noun

1. poetry.
The arrangement of words and syllables, or feet (see foot sense 8), in a rhythmic pattern according to their length and stress; a particular pattern or scheme.
2a. music.
The basic pattern or structure of beats;
2b. music.
Tempo.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon meter, from Latin metrum, from Greek metron a measure.