Definition

Noun: A system of weights and measures is a comprehensive and standardized framework of units used for quantifying physical quantities such as length, weight (or mass), and time (duration). It provides a consistent basis for measurement in science, commerce, and daily life.

Usage

This term is used to describe a complete, often officially adopted, set of measurement standards. It is a formal and technical term. - The system of weights and measures used in a country is fundamental to its economy and scientific work. - Adopting a new system of weights and measures requires significant public education and adjustment.

Examples

• The system of weights and measures based on the meter, kilogram, and second is known as the International System of Units (SI).
• Historically, many nations had their own unique system of weights and measures, which complicated international trade.
• The government agency is responsible for maintaining the national system of weights and measures to ensure fairness in commerce.

Advanced Usage

• "to standardize a system of weights and measures": This phrase describes the process of creating uniformity in measurement units across a region or field.
  • A major achievement of the French Revolution was the effort to standardize a system of weights and measures.

Variants and Related Words

• System of measurement (n): A more general term for any coherent system of units, which may or may not include all three quantities (length, weight, duration). A system of weights and measures is a specific type of system of measurement.
• Metric system (n): A specific decimal-based system of weights and measures where units are related by powers of ten.
• Imperial system (n): A traditional system of weights and measures formerly used in the British Empire and still used in some countries, featuring units like feet, pounds, and seconds.

Synonyms

• Measurement system: A system for assigning numbers to physical quantities.
• Metrology: The scientific study of measurement. (This is the field concerned with systems of weights and measures).

Related Phrases

• Weights and measures: This shorter, more common phrase often refers to the laws, standards, and apparatus for measurement, and is frequently used in the names of governmental offices (e.g., "Bureau of Weights and Measures").
  • The inspector from the Department of Weights and Measures checked the accuracy of the supermarket scales.

Noun

1. system of measurement for length and weight and duration