metric

Everyday

1. (maths, science) Using the metric system of measurement, based on the metre, the kilogram and the litre, with units that go up in tens (10, 100, 1,000). tree →
2. (noun, formal) A measure used to judge or compare how well something is doing, such as test scores or sales. tree →
3. (poetry, rare) To do with the rhythm or metre of a poem. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science lessons pupils use metric units (millimetres, centimetres, metres, kilometres, grams, kilograms, millilitres, litres) and convert between them by multiplying or dividing by 10, 100 or 1,000. They compare them with imperial units (inches, feet, pounds, pints), still used in the USA and partly in the UK. Phrases: metric system, metric units, metric ton/tonne, go metric.

Examples

• Most countries use the metric system. tree →
• Centimetres and kilograms are metric units. tree →
• In the UK, road signs show miles, but food is weighed in metric. tree →
• A metric tonne is 1,000 kilograms. tree →
• Convert 3 metres into centimetres using metric rules: 300 cm. tree →
• The USA still mostly uses imperial, not metric. tree →
• The company uses customer happiness as a key metric. tree →

Note

Adjective in measurement; noun «a metric» (business) is formal. In maths problems: kilo- = 1,000; centi- = 1/100; milli- = 1/1,000; to change metres to centimetres multiply by 100. Related: metre/meter, imperial.