Measurement Terminology

verb to measure or determine the amount, level, or extent of something

• The scientist is gauging the temperature of the liquid in the beaker.
• I'm just gauging how long it will take to get there.
• She's gauging whether he likes her by how he acts around her.
• The artist is gauging the emotions of the audience through his performance.

verb to determine the size, amount, or degree of something using a standard unit of measurement

• The scientist is measuring the exact weight of the sample in the laboratory.
• I'm measuring the ingredients for the cake recipe.
• Can you measure how far we are from the destination?
• Measuring success solely by monetary gain is short-sighted.

noun a unit of weight equal to 1/16 of a pound or 437.5 grains or 28.349 grams

• The recipe calls for one ounce of vanilla extract.
• Can you add just a tiny ounce more sugar to the coffee?
• I'll only give you an ounce of information, don't tell anyone.
• She didn't have an ounce of doubt in her mind about the decision.

noun a unit of time equal to 1/60th of a minute

adjective referring to the ordinal number two in a sequence

• The runner finished the race in just under 10 seconds.
• I'll be back in a few seconds, just grabbing something from my room.
• Wait a few seconds, I'm almost done texting my friend.
• In the blink of an eye, the car disappeared within seconds.

noun a unit of weight equal to 2,000 pounds

adverb to a very large extent or degree

• The factory produces tons of steel each year.
• I have tons of homework to do tonight.
• I have tons of cash to blow at the mall.
• She has tons of love to give to those around her.

noun a unit of measurement for weight

verb to measure the weight of something

• The scientist needs to weigh the samples carefully to ensure accurate results.
• Can you weigh these ingredients for the recipe?
• I'll weigh my options before making a decision.
• She had to weigh the pros and cons before accepting the job offer.

noun a very small amount or portion

adjective tiny or minuscule

• The scientist needed just a smidget more data to complete her research.
• Can you please scoot over just a smidget so I can fit on the couch?
• I only need a smidget of cash to buy that new video game.
• His patience was wearing thin, just a smidget left before he lost his temper.

noun a person who specializes in the science of measurement, particularly in the field of metrology

• The metrologist was responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all measurements in the laboratory.
• The metrologist is the go-to person for making sure all the measurements are on point.
• The metrologist is like the measurement wizard, always making sure everything is just right.
• In a world of uncertainties, the metrologist is the beacon of precision and accuracy.