Metrology
/mɛˈtrɒlədʒi/noun
The science of measurement and the maintenance of standards for weights and measures.
Did you know?The word comes from the Greek root metron, the same ancient root that also gave us meter, geometry, and thermometer — proof that measurement has always been a kind of power.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μέτρον (métron)
“measure, something used to measure”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-λογία (-logía)
“study, discourse, account”
18th Century
French
métrologie
“the science of weights and measures”
19th Century
English
metrology
“the scientific study of measurement and standards”
Modern English
English
metrology
“the science of measurement and its standards”
Explore more surprising origins