Metric
/ˈmɛt.rɪk/noun
Relating to measurement, especially by the meter or by a system of units based on powers of ten.
Did you know?The modern word comes from Greek metron, “measure,” a root so powerful it also gave us meter, geometry, and even the word for poetic rhythm—because in ancient thought, to measure was to impose order.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*meh₁-
“to measure”
Ancient Greek
GRK
μέτρον (metron)
“a measure, something used to measure; due proportion”
Late Latin
Latin
metricus
“pertaining to measurement or poetic meter”
Old French
OF
metrique
“relating to meter or verse”
Modern English
English
metric
“relating to measurement, especially the decimal system”