Search the Dictionary

To ascertain by use of a measuring instrument; to compute or ascertain the extent, quantity, dimensions, or capacity of, by a certain rule or standard; to take the dimensions of; hence, to estimate; to judge of; to value; to appraise. Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite Thy power! what thought can measure thee Milto…

The extent, size, capacity, amount. or quantity ascertained by measuring; as, its measurement is five acres.

Used in, or adapted for, ascertaining measurements, or dividing by measure. Measuring faucet, a faucet which permits only a given quantity of liquid to pass each time it is opened, or one by means of which the liquid which passes can be measured. -- Measuring worm (Zoöl.), the larva of any geometrid moth. See Geometri…

An officer who ascertains meres or boundaries. [Eng.]

ery nearly, the ten millionth part of the distance from the equator to the north pole, as ascertained by actual measurement of an arc of a meridian. See Metric system, under Metric. Common meter (Hymnol.), four iambic verses, or lines, making a stanza, the first and third having each four feet, and the second and fourt…

ious orchids which bear three kinds of flowers formerly referred to three genera, but now ascertained to be sexually different forms of the same genus (Catasetum tridentatum, etc.).

itself, any given number or quantity a certain number of times; commonly, the process of ascertaining by a briefer computation the result of such repeated additions; also, the rule by which the operation is performed; -- the reverse of division.

To count; to reckon; to ascertain the units of; to enumerate. If a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Gen. xiii. 16.

An instrument for ascertaining the weight and purity of oil; an elaiometer.

An instrument or machine for measuring work done, especially for ascertaining the number of rotations made by a machine or wheel in manufacturing cloth; a counter. Ure.

on the convex surface of the cornea and lens of the eye, by which their curvature can be ascertained.

To define the position of, in relation to the orient or east; hence, to ascertain the bearings of.

An instrument for ascertaining the amount of ozone in the atmosphere, or in any gaseous mixture. Faraday.

An instrument for including the number of steps in walking, and so ascertaining the distance passed over. It is usually in the form of a watch; an oscillating weight by the motion of the body causes the index to advance a certain distance at each step.

Phar`ma*ceu"tic*al*ly, adv. Pharmaceutical chemistry, that department of chemistry which ascertains or regulates the composition of medicinal substances.

A dynamometer for ascertaining the power required to draw carriages over roads.

To sound with a plumb or plummet, as the depth of water; hence, to examine by test; to ascertain the depth, quality, dimension, etc.; to sound; to fathom; to test. He did not attempt to plumb his intellect. Ld. Lytton.

An instrument for ascertaining the amount of rainfall at any place in a given time; a rain gauge.

To ascertain, as by the balance; to weigh. He can not sincerely consider the strength, poise the weight, and discern the evidence. South.

Estimated or ascertained by weight; -- distinguished from numeral; as, a ponderal drachma. [R.] Arbuthnot.