meter
Greekmeasure, measurement
About This Root
From Greek metron (measure). Ubiquitous in scientific instruments — thermometer (heat), barometer (pressure), odometer (distance) all name devices that measure specific quantities. Also shapes geometric terms (diameter, perimeter, parameter) where it denotes measured dimensions. The combining form -meter is one of the most recognizable suffixes in English.
Associated Words · 9
diameter
A straight line through the centre of a circle; its length
parameter
A variable or factor that defines or limits a system or experiment
perimeter
The boundary or total length of the sides of a shape
thermometer
An instrument for measuring temperature
geometric
Relating to geometry; characterized by simple regular shapes
barometer
An instrument measuring air pressure; an indicator of trends
odometer
An instrument measuring the distance a vehicle has traveled
centimetre
A metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a metre
kilometer
A unit of length equal to 1000 metres