a definite or known quantity measured out: to drink a measure of wine.
7.
any standard of comparison, estimation, or judgment.
8.
a quantity, degree, or proportion: in large measure.
9.
a moderate amount: to live with a measure of enjoyment.
10.
a limit, or an extent or degree not to be exceeded: to know no measure.
11.
reasonable bounds or limits: to know no measure.
12.
a legislative bill or enactment: The senate passed the new measure.
13.
Usually, measures.actions or procedures intended as a means to an end: to take measures to avert suspicion.
14.
a short rhythmical movement or arrangement, as in poetry or music. Compare meter2(def. 1b).
15.
a particular kind of such arrangement.
16.
a metrical unit.
17.
Music.
a.
the music contained between two bar lines; bar.
b.
an air or melody.
c.
a slow, dignified dance.
18.
Printing. the width, measured in ems or picas, to which a column or page of printed matter is set.
19.
measures, Geology. beds; strata.
20.
Mathematics. an abstraction of the property of length; a set function assigning to each set of a collection of sets a value, usually having the properties of sigma finiteness and fnite additivity, the functional value of the whole collection being greater than zero.
to reach a certain standard: The exhibition didn't measure up to last year's.
b.
to be capable or qualified: As an administrator, he couldn't quite measure up.
Idioms
33.
beyond measure, too much to be reckoned; immeasurably; extremely: The suffering that they endured was beyond measure.
34.
for good measure, as an extra: In addition to dessert, they served chocolates for good measure.
35.
have/take someone's measure, to judge or assess someone's character, capabilities, etc.; size up: During their conversation she was taking his measure as a prospective employee.
36.
in a/some measure, to some extent or degree: His conclusion is justified in some measure.
37.
measure one's length, to fall or be knocked down; fall flat: He missed a step in the dark and measured his length at the bottom.
Origin: 1250–1300; Middle English mesure < Middle French < Latin mēnsūra equivalent to mēns(us) (past participle of mētīrī to measure, mete) + -ūra-ure
Related forms
meas·ur·er, noun
in·ter·meas·ure, verb (used with object), in·ter·meas·ured, in·ter·meas·ur·ing.