measure
 meas·ure (mĕzhʹər) from “Roses of the South,” a waltz by Johann Strauss the YoungerTech-Graphicsn.
1. Dimensions, quantity, or capacity as ascertained by comparison with a standard.
2. A reference standard or sample used for the quantitative comparison of properties:
The standard kilogram is maintained as a measure of mass.
3. A unit specified by a scale, such as an inch, or by variable conditions, such as a day's march.
4. A system of measurement, such as the metric system.
5. A device used for measuring.
6. The act of measuring.
7. An evaluation or a basis of comparison: “the final measure of the worth of a society” (Joseph Wood Krutch). See Synonyms at standard.
8. Extent or degree:
The problem was in large measure caused by his carelessness.
9. A definite quantity that has been measured out:
a measure of wine.
10. A fitting amount:
a measure of recognition.
11. A limited amount or degree:
a measure of good-will.
12. Limit; bounds:
generosity knowing no measure.
13. Appropriate restraint; moderation: “The union of... fervor with measure, passion with correctness, this surely is the ideal” (William James).
14. An action taken as a means to an end; an expedient. Often used in the plural:
desperate measures.
15. A legislative bill or enactment.
16. Poetic meter.
17. Music. The metric unit between two bars on the staff; a bar.v. meas·ured, meas·ur·ing, meas·uresv. tr.
1. To ascertain the dimensions, quantity, or capacity of:
measured the height of the ceiling.
2. To mark, lay out, or establish dimensions for by measuring:
measure off an area.
3. To estimate by evaluation or comparison: “I gave them an account... of the situation as far as I could measure it” (Winston S. Churchill).
4. To bring into comparison:
She measured her power with that of a dangerous adversary.
5.
a. To mark off or apportion, usually with reference to a given unit of measurement:
measure out a pint of milk.
b. To allot or distribute as if by measuring; mete:
The revolutionary tribunal measured out harsh justice.
6. To serve as a measure of:
The inch measures length.
7. To consider or choose with care; weigh:
He measures his words with caution.
8. Archaic. To travel over: “We must measure twenty miles today” (Shakespeare). v. intr.
1. To have a measurement of:
The room measures 12 by 20 feet.
2. To take a measurement.
3. To allow of measurement:
White sugar measures more easily than brown.Phrasal Verb:measure up
1. To be the equal of something; have similar quality.
2. To have the necessary qualifications:
a candidate who just didn't measure up.Idioms:beyond measure
1. In excess.
2. Without limit.for good measure
In addition to the required amount.in a/some measure
To a degree:
The new law was in a measure harmful. [Middle English, from Old French mesure, from Latin mēnsūra, from mēnsus, past participle of mētīrī, to measure. See mē-2 in Indo-European Roots.] measʹur·er n.
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