National Bureau of Standards

American  

noun

U.S. Government.

1. the federal agency that establishes the standards for units used in measuring the physical properties of substances. NBS, N.B.S.

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National Bureau of Standards British  

noun

1. (in the US) an organization, founded in 1901, whose function is to establish and maintain standards for units of measurements Compare British Standards Institution

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Example Sentences

In 1951, Dr. Branscomb became a research physicist studying the structure and spectra of molecular and atomic negative ions for the National Bureau of Standards, an arm of the Commerce Department and one of the oldest federal physical science research laboratories.

From New York Times

In the interim, he developed basic scientific techniques and refined measurements at the National Bureau of Standards; helped I.B.M. turn its computers from hulking mainframes, which could cost more than an automobile, into something that could fit in a home office; and advised multiple presidents, including Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon and Ronald Reagan, on policy matters, particularly the space program.

From New York Times

His father, Allen V. Astin, was a physicist who worked at the National Bureau of Standards, eventually rising to head the agency.

From Washington Post

Gulf repaired the vehicle, which appeared at promotional events, and later sold it to an engineer who had tested it at the National Bureau of Standards.

From Slate

He moved to the Washington area in 1951 and began his government career with the Library of Congress and what was then the National Bureau of Standards.

From Washington Post