Definition

Noun: - The process of converting to or adopting the metric system: Metrication refers specifically to the official change from a system of measurement (typically the imperial system) to the International System of Units (SI), which uses meters, grams, liters, and seconds as base units.

Usage

• Metrication is a formal, policy-driven process undertaken by governments or industries.
• It is used to discuss historical changes, national policies, or ongoing standardization efforts in science, trade, and manufacturing.

Examples

• The metrication of the United Kingdom's road signs was a lengthy and debated process.
• Many scientists supported the metrication of the curriculum to align with international standards.
• The country's metrication was completed over a decade, simplifying trade.

Advanced Usage

• "Forced metrication": A term sometimes used to describe a swift, mandatory conversion imposed by authorities, often facing public resistance.
• "Partial metrication": Describes a situation where a country uses both metric and non-metric units in different sectors (e.g., metric for science, imperial for everyday distances).

Variants and Related Words

• Metricate (verb): To convert to the metric system.
  • The government planned to metricate all packaging within five years.
• Metric (adjective): Relating to the meter or the metric system.
  • The recipe uses metric measurements like milliliters.

Synonyms

• Metrification: A direct synonym with identical meaning.
• Conversion to the metric system: A descriptive phrase equivalent to metrication.

Antonyms

• Retention of imperial units: The act of keeping the former system.
• De-metrication: A rare term for reverting from the metric system (not a standard process).

Noun

1. the act of changing from imperial units of measurement to metric units: meters, grams, seconds