metrical

American  

[me-tri-kuhl] / ˈmɛ trɪ kəl /

adjective

1. pertaining to meter or poetic measure.

2. composed in meter or verse.

3. pertaining to measurement.

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metrical British  

/ ˈmɛtrɪkəl, ˈmɛtrɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to measurement

2. of or in poetic metre

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Other Word Forms

• metrically adverb
• metricism noun
• metricity noun
• nonmetrical adjective
• nonmetrically adverb
• unmetrical adjective
• unmetrically adverb

Etymology

Origin of metrical

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin metric ( us ) ( see metric ²) + -al ¹

Explanation

If the ruler you use is marked with millimeters and centimeters, you can say you use metrical measurements. The adjective metrical is a less common way to say metric, as in the metric system of measurement. Instead of using inches and feet, a metrical system uses centimeters and meters as units for measuring length. Most countries measure metrical distances, size, and lengths, although the United States doesn't. The root of metrical is the Greek word metron, which means "measure."

Example Sentences

Following the haiku are some poems in other metrical formats.

From Washington Post • Jun. 8, 2021

Here, in Globish—with plus signs indicating missing words that Terry apparently doesn’t want to guess at and vertical lines demarcating metrical units—are the trapper’s instructions to Shamhat for seducing Enkidu:

From The New Yorker • Oct. 7, 2019

The Breeches Edition recently returned to Pittsburgh also had an attached hymnal known as a metrical Psalter - the book of Psalms set to musical notation, he said.

From Washington Times • May 11, 2019

But the clunking gear changes between two metrical forms make it hard to build up a rhythm in either.

From Economist • Jun. 5, 2018

“It’s not iambic either. I don’t know if it’s anything metrical at all.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss