metric system

/ˌmɛtrɪk ˈsɪstəm/

Other forms: metric systems

If you learned to measure things in school using centimeters rather than inches, you're familiar with the metric system.

Most industrialized countries use the metric system to measure and weigh things, although the United States does not. If you cross the border from Maine into Quebec, you'll see the speed limit signs change from miles to kilometers per hour, as Canada uses the metric system. The root word is the French mèter, and metric means "based on the meter."

Definitions of metric system

1. noun

   a decimal system of weights and measures based on the meter and the kilogram and the second
   types:

   cgs, cgs system

   system of measurement based on centimeters and grams and seconds

   International System, International System of Units, SI, SI system, SI unit, Systeme International, Systeme International d'Unites

   a complete metric system of units of measurement for scientists; fundamental quantities are length (meter) and mass (kilogram) and time (second) and electric current (ampere) and temperature (kelvin) and amount of matter (mole) and luminous intensity (candela)

   type of:

   system of weights and measures

   system of measurement for length and weight and duration