metric ton
Noun: A unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,204.62 pounds). It is a standard measurement in the metric system, used globally for quantifying large weights, particularly in commerce, industry, and science.
The term "metric ton" is used to specify a precise, large quantity of mass. It is the standard ton used in most countries and in international trade, distinguishing it from the smaller "short ton" (907.18 kg) used in the United States and the larger "long ton" (1,016.05 kg) used historically in the United Kingdom.
- Global wheat production is expected to exceed 750 million metric tons this year.
- The shipment of iron ore weighed 50,000 metric tons.
- One metric ton of carbon dioxide occupies a volume of roughly 556 cubic meters at standard temperature and pressure.
- "Per metric ton": A common phrase in commerce to express a price or rate.
- The price of copper has risen to $9,500 per metric ton.
- The symbol "t" is often used as an abbreviation for metric ton in technical and scientific contexts.
- The vehicle's payload capacity is 5 t.
- Tonne: A synonym for metric ton, used interchangeably, especially in British English and in official international documents.
- Megagram (Mg): An equivalent term in scientific contexts, meaning one million grams. While technically precise, it is less common in everyday commercial use than "metric ton."
- Tonne
- Megagram (Mg)
The word "ton" alone can be ambiguous, as it may refer to the short ton, long ton, or metric ton depending on the regional and industrial context. Therefore, "metric ton" is used for explicit clarity. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses, as it is a specific unit of measurement.
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a unit of weight equivalent to 1000 kilograms
