DictionaryRoot: metron
Greek

metron

measure

Forms

  • metr-
  • metro- — Combining form with a linking vowel.
  • -meter — Form used in borrowed and newly formed names for measuring instruments.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *meh₁-, ‘measure.’

Note

Measure also applies to rhythm: a verse can have a measured pattern.

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Classic wooden pyramidal mechanical metronome with upright pendulum rod, sliding brass weight and a single faint neighboring motion trace showing steady oscillation; essential scale ticks only, no words.
noun

metronome

MET-ruh-nohm/ˈmetrənəʊm/

A device that marks a steady musical beat.

Etymology

The pieces combine 'measure' with 'regulate': a metronome regulates musical time. Its steady beat gives musicians a recurring measure against which to keep their pace.

Full entry

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