Definition of: measure

(mezh′ər) noun
1. The extent or dimensions of anything.
2. A standard of measurement.
3. Hence, any standard of criticism, comparison, judgment, or award.
4. A series of measure units; a system of measurements: dry measure. See WEIGHT.
5. An instrument or vessel of measurement.
6. The act of measuring; measurement.
7. A quantity measured, or regarded as measured.
8. Reasonable limits; moderation: beyond measure; also, degree; reasonable proportion: A measure of allowance should be made.
9. A certain proportion; relative extent.
10. A specific act or course; transaction; specifically, a legislative bill.
11. That which makes up a sum or total.
12. Any quantity regarded as a unit and standard of comparison with other quantities; a quantity of which some other given quantity forms an exact multiple.
13. Music a That division of time by which melody and rhythm are regulated; rate of movement; time. b The portion of music contained between two bar lines; bar.
14. In prosody, meter; a rhythmical period.
15. A slow and stately dance or dance movement.
16. plural Geol. A series of related rock strata, having some common feature.
—v. ·ured, ·ur·ing v.t.
1. To take or ascertain the dimensions, quantity, capacity, etc., of, especially by means of a measure.
2. To set apart, mark off, etc., by measuring: often with off or out.
3. To estimate by comparison; judge; weigh: to measure a risk.
4. To serve as the measure of.
5. To bring into competition or comparison.
6. To traverse as if measuring; travel over.
7. To adjust; regulate: Measure your actions to your aspirations.
—v.i.
8. To make or take measurements.
9. To yield a specified measurement: The table measures six by four feet.
10. To admit measurement.
—to measure one's length To fall prostrate at full length.
—to measure out To distribute or allot by measure.
—to measure swords
1. To fight with swords.
2. To fight or contend as in a debate.
—to measure up to To fulfil, as expectations. [<F mesure <L mensura <metiri measure]
—meas′ur·er noun