meas·ure (mĕzh́ər)

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[Middle English, from Old French mesure, from Latin mēnsūra, from mēnsus past participle of mētīrī, to measure.]

noun 

1. Dimensions, quantity, or capacity as ascertained by comparison with a standard.
2. A reference standard or sample used for the quantitative comparison of properties: The standard kilogram is maintained as a measure of mass.
3. A unit specified by a scale, such as an inch, or by variable conditions, such as a day's march.
4. A system of measurement, such as the metric system.
5. A device used for measuring.
6. The act of measuring.
7. An evaluation or a basis of comparison: “the final measure of the worth of a society” (Joseph Wood Krutch) See synonyms at standard
8. Extent or degree: The problem was in large measure caused by his carelessness.
9. A definite quantity that has been measured out: a measure of wine.
10. A fitting amount: a measure of recognition.
11. A limited amount or degree: a measure of good-will.
12. Limit; bounds: generosity knowing no measure.
13. Appropriate restraint; moderation: “The union of . . . fervor with measure, passion with correctness, this surely is the ideal” (William James)
14. An action taken as a means to an end; an expedient. Often used in the plural: desperate measures.
15. A legislative bill or enactment.
16. Poetic meter.
17. Music The metric unit between two bars on the staff; a bar.

verb: -ured, -ur·ing, -ures. 

transitive verb 

1. To ascertain the dimensions, quantity, or capacity of: measured the height of the ceiling.
2. To mark, lay out, or establish dimensions for by measuring: measure off an area.
3. To estimate by evaluation or comparison: “I gave them an account . . . of the situation as far as I could measure it” (Winston S. Churchill)
4. To bring into comparison: She measured her power with that of a dangerous adversary.
5. 1. To mark off or apportion, usually with reference to a given unit of measurement: measure out a pint of milk.
   2. To allot or distribute as if by measuring; mete: The revolutionary tribunal measured out harsh justice.
6. To serve as a measure of: The inch measures length.
7. To consider or choose with care; weigh: He measures his words with caution.
8. Archaic To travel over: “We must measure twenty miles today” (Shakespeare)

intransitive verb 

1. To have a measurement of: The room measures 12 by 20 feet.
2. To take a measurement.
3. To allow of measurement: White sugar measures more easily than brown.

phrasal verbs

measure up

To be the equal of something; have similar quality.

To have the necessary qualifications: a candidate who just didn't measure up.

idioms

beyond measure

In excess. Without limit.

for good measure

In addition to the required amount.

in a measure

To a degree: The new law was in a measure harmful.

derivatives

meaśur·er

noun