International System of Units

American

noun

an internationally accepted coherent system of physical units, derived from the MKSA (meter-kilogram-second-ampere) system, using the meter, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela as the basic units SI unitsSI unit respectively of the fundamental quantities of length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, amount of substance, and luminous intensity. SI

Etymology

Origin of International System of Units

First recorded in 1930–35; translation of the earlier French name Système Internationale d'Unités

Example Sentences

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Topology — the study of objects that deform continuously without tearing — explained the surprising effect that triggered a wave of ideas in physics and underpins our international system of units based on fundamental constants.

From Nature • Aug. 4, 2020

Search Advanced search Published online 26 July 2011 | Nature | doi:10.1038/475437a Physicists count on updated constants The latest revision of fundamental quantities bodes well for the proposed overhaul of the international system of units.

From Scientific American • Jul. 27, 2011

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