Metre

Definition

Metre (spelled "meter" in American English) is a noun that refers to the basic unit of length in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 100 centimeters. It is also used in poetry and music to describe the rhythmic structure of a verse or a composition.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmiːtər/
• Respelling: MEE-ter

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmiːtə/
• Respelling: MEE-tuh

Etymology

The word "metre" originates from the French "mètre," which is derived from the Greek "metron," meaning "measure." It was adopted into English in the late 18th century following the establishment of the metric system.

Derivatives

• Metrology (noun)
• Metrist (noun, poet)
• Metronomic (adjective)
• Metric (adjective)
• Metre-stick (noun)

Synonyms

• Meter
• Measure
• Rhythm (contextual)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "metre" is widely used in scientific and cultural contexts. For example, "The room is five metres long" (length) and "The poem has a consistent metre" (rhythm). The spelling "metre" is common in British English, while "meter" is standard in American English.

Related Terms

• Metric system: A decimal-based system of measurement.
• Centimetre: A unit of length equal to one-hundredth of a metre.
• Versification: The art or practice of composing metrical verse.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The basic unit of length in the International System of Units (SI): Defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds.
  • Example: "The track is 400 metres long."
• The rhythmic structure of poetry or music: Refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables or beats.
  • Example: "The sonnet is written in iambic metre."
• An instrument or device for measurement (variant spelling 'meter' in American English): Refers to tools used for measuring quantities.
  • Example: "The water metre showed an increase in usage."