metre

Etymology 1

From French mètre, from Ancient Greek μέτρον (métron, “measure, rule, length, size, poetic metre”). Doublet of metron and mether.

noun

1. The basic unit of length in the International System of Units (SI: Système International d'Unités), equal to the distance travelled by light in a vacuum in 1/299 792 458 seconds. The metre is equal to 39+⁴⁷⁄₁₂₇ (approximately 39.37) imperial inches.
   The measures of length above the metre are ten times ... greater than the metre. 1797, The Monthly magazine and British register, number 3
   A dress length of 8 metres of the best quality costs 58 francs. 1873 April, The Young Englishwoman
   The 12-metre yachts ... can be sailed efficiently with four paid hands. April 15 1928, The Observer

verb

1. (Britain, rare) Alternative spelling of meter

Etymology 2

From Old English, from Latin metrum, from Ancient Greek μέτρον (métron, “measure, rule, length, size, poetic metre”).

noun

1. The rhythm or measure in verse and musical composition.

verb

1. (poetry, music) To put into metrical form.