metre
UK/'mi:tә/US
A2
Definitions
n.
The base unit of length in the metric system (British spelling)
米，公尺（英式拼法）
n.
The measured rhythmic pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in verse
（诗歌的）格律，韵律
Root Breakdown
Root-derived=metre
Directly from metron (measure). The metre is the standard unit of length in the metric system. The same word also names a poem's metre — the measured beat of its rhythm. American English spells both 'meter.'
Root metr still carries 13 more wordsUsage Guide
- British/Commonwealth spelling 'metre' for the length unit and poetic rhythm; American spelling is 'meter' for both, and also for measuring devices (gas meter).
- Don't confuse 'metre' (the unit) with the noun 'metric' (a standard or indicator).
Example Sentences
- 1.
The room is about four metres wide.
- 2.
He ran the hundred metres in under eleven seconds.
- 3.
The poem is written in a strict iambic metre.