noun

1. the extent, dimensions, capacity, etc. of anything, esp. as determined by a standard
2. the act or process of determining extent, dimensions, etc.; measurement
3. 1. a standard for determining extent, dimensions, etc.; unit of measurement, as an inch, yard, or bushel
   2. any standard of valuation, comparison, judgment, etc.; criterion
4. a system of measurement dry measure, board measure
5. an instrument for measuring, or a container of standard capacity a quart measure
6. a definite quantity measured out or thought of as measured
7. an extent or degree not to be exceeded remain within measure
8. proportion, quantity, or degree in large measure
9. a procedure; course of action; step take measures to stop him
10. a legislative bill, resolution, etc. that is proposed or has been enacted
11. 1. rhythm in verse; meter
    2. a metrical unit; foot of verse
12. Archaic a dance or dance movement, esp. if slow and stately
13. Old Poet. a melody or tune
14. Geol., Rare related beds or strata, as of coal
15. Music the notes or rests, or both, contained between two vertical lines on the staff; bar
16. Printing the width of a column or page

Etymology: ME mesure < OFr < L mensura < mensus, pp. of metiri, to measure < IE base *mē-, to measure > meal, Sans mātrā, a measure, Gr metron

transitive verb measured -·ured, measuring -·ur·ing

1. to find out or estimate the extent, dimensions, etc. of, esp. by the use of a standard
2. to get, take, set apart, or mark off by measuring: often with off or out
3. to estimate by comparison; judge; appraise to measure one's foe
4. to bring into comparison or rivalry: with against to measure one's skill against another's
5. to be a measure of a clock measures time
6. to adjust or proportion by a standard to measure a speech by the listeners' reactions
7. to choose or weigh carefully (one's words or actions)
8. Now Rare to go over or through; traverse as if measuring

Etymology: ME mesuren < OFr mesurer < LL mensurare, to measure < the Latin n.

intransitive verb

1. to find out or estimate extent, dimensions, etc.; get or take measurements
2. to be of a specified dimension, quantity, etc. when measured a pole that measures ten feet
3. to allow of measurement