noun

metrology

met-ROL-uh-jee

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Metrology (noun) means the scientific study of measurement and of systems of weights and measures. Example: “The lab's metrology team checks that every instrument reads accurately.”

noun

The scientific study of measurement and of systems of weights and measures.

"The lab's metrology team checks that every instrument reads accurately."

"She studied metrology at university before working in quality control."

A particular system of weights and measures.

"The old imperial metrology gave way to the metric system."

"Different countries once used their own local metrologies for trade."

How to use metrology

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMetrology is the science behind accurate measuring and the systems we measure things with.

When to use it

Metrology is a technical term mostly used in scientific, engineering and industrial contexts.

Memory tip

Do not confuse metrology with meteorology, which is the study of weather; the words look and sound similar but mean very different things.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

meteorology →

Common pairings

legal metrology metrology lab metrology standards industrial metrology

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “metrology” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The lab's _____ team checks that every instrument reads accurately.

Etymology

Metrology comes from Ancient Greek métron, meaning measure, joined with the English suffix -logy, meaning the study of something.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for metrology

eulogy apology zoology biology ecology analogy geology trilogy etiology pedagogy mycology virology

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Frequently asked questions

What does metrology mean?

Metrology is the science of measurement, covering how weights, measures and instruments are defined, checked and kept accurate.

Is metrology the same as measurement?

Not quite. Measurement is the act of measuring something, while metrology is the wider study of how measurement itself works and is standardised.

Who works in metrology?

People in fields such as engineering, manufacturing and science use metrology to calibrate instruments and make sure measurements are consistent.

What is the meaning of metrology?

"metrology" (noun) means the scientific study of measurement and of systems of weights and measures.