measure

meas•ure

[[t]ˈmɛʒ ər[/t]] n. v. -ured, -ur•ing

1) wam a unit or standard of measurement

2) wam a system of measurement

3) wam an instrument, as a graduated rod or a container of standard capacity, for measuring

4) the extent, dimensions, quantity, etc., of something, ascertained esp. by comparison with a standard

5) the act or process of ascertaining the extent, dimensions, or quantity of something; measurement

6) wam a definite or known quantity measured out:

a measure of wine[/ex]

7) any standard of comparison, estimation, or judgment

8) a quantity, degree, or proportion

9) a moderate amount

10) reasonable bounds or limits:

spending without measure[/ex]

11) gov a legislative bill or enactment

12) Usu., measures. actions or procedures intended as a means to an end:

measures to avert suspicion[/ex]

13) pro a short rhythmical movement or arrangement, as in poetry or music

14) pro a particular kind of such arrangement

15) mad the music contained between two bar lines; bar

16) pro a metrical unit

17) mad an air or melody

18) mad a slow, dignified dance

19) gel measures, Geol. beds; strata

20) to ascertain the extent, dimensions, quantity, capacity, etc., of, esp. by comparison with a standard

21) to mark off or deal out by way of measurement (often fol. by off or out):

to measure out a cup of flour[/ex]

22) to estimate the relative amount, value, etc., of, by comparison with some standard

23) to judge or appraise by comparison with something or someone else

24) to serve as the measure of

25) to adjust or proportion

26) to travel over; traverse

27) to take measurements

28) to admit of measurement

29) to be of a specified measure

30) phv measure up

a) to attain equality:

The exhibition didn't measure up to last year's[/ex]

b) to have the right qualifications:

He didn't quite measure up[/ex]

•

- for good measure in a

Etymology: 1250–1300; < MF < L mēnsūra=mēns(us) measured +-ūra -ure