Etymology: (1250–1300; < MF < L mēnsūra=mēns(us) measured +-ūra -ure)
Definition of 'measure'
Princeton's WordNet
1. (noun)measure, step any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal "the situation called for strong measures"; "the police took steps to reduce crime"
2. (noun)measure, quantity, amount how muchthere is or how many there are of something that you can quantify
3. (noun)bill, measure a statute in draft before it becomes law "they held a public hearing on the bill"
4. (noun)measurement, measuring, measure, mensuration the act or process of assigningnumbers to phenomena according to a rule "the measurements were carefully done"; "his mental measurings proved remarkably accurate"
5. (noun)standard, criterion, measure, touchstone a basis for comparison; a referencepoint against which other things can be evaluated "the schools comply with federal standards"; "they set the measure for all subsequent work"
6. (noun)meter, metre, measure, beat, cadence (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
12. (verb)measure have certain dimensions "This table surfaces measures 20inches by 36 inches"
13. (verb)measure, evaluate, valuate, assess, appraise, value evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of "I will have the family jewels appraised by a professional"; "access all the factors when taking a risk"
1. (verb)measure to find out how big, fast, etc. sth or sb is You need to measure each piece of wood.; Measure from the top of your leg to your ankle.
2. measure to judge the quality of sth His love should not be measured by the value of his gifts.
3. measure to be a particular length, width, height, etc. The tables measures 2 meters.
4. (noun)measure a way of dealing with sth We have taken precautionary measures to prevent bird flu.; a temporary measure until we can get the window fixed
5. measure an indication of quality or level the test results are a measure of general fitness
6. measure a/some measure of an unspecified amount of sth The report has been received with a measure of skepticism.
7. measure a measured amount of sth a measure of alcohol
8. measure for good measure in addition, often as an improvement Put a few cherries on top for good measure.
3. (adj)measure a step or definite part of a progressivecourse or policy; a means to an end; an act designed for the accomplishment of an object; as, political measures; prudent measures; an inefficient measure
5. (adj)measure beds or strata; as, coal measures; lead measures
6. (noun)measure a standard of dimension; a fixed unit of quantity or extent; an extent or quantity in the fractions or multiples of which anything is estimated and stated; hence, a rule by which anything is adjusted or judged
7. (noun)measure an instrument by means of which size or quantity is measured, as a graduated line, rod, vessel, or the like
8. (noun)measure the dimensions or capacity of anything, reckoned according to some standard; size or extent, determined and stated; estimated extent; as, to take one's measure for a coat
10. (noun)measure extent or degree not excessive or beyong bounds; moderation; due restraint; esp. in the phrases, in measure; with measure; without or beyond measure
11. (noun)measure determined extent, not to be exceeded; limit; allotted share, as of action, influence, ability, or the like; due proportion
15. (noun)measure a regulated movement corresponding to the time in which the accompanying music is performed; but, especially, a slow and stately dance, like the minuet
18. (noun)measure to ascertain by use of a measuring instrument; to compute or ascertain the extent, quantity, dimensions, or capacity of, by a certain rule or standard; to take the dimensions of; hence, to estimate; to judge of; to value; to appraise
24. (verb)measure to result, or turn out, on measuring; as, the grain measures well; the pieces measure unequally
25. (verb)measure to be of a certain size or quantity, or to have a certain length, breadth, or thickness, or a certain capacity according to a standard measure; as, cloth measures three fourths of a yard; a tree measures three feet in diameter