Does the term "metric" (or plural "metrics") apply only to the metric system, or can it be used to define something that does not apply the metric system?
asked Sep 26, 2015 at 12:33
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2Metric, as a noun, simply means measurement. The term metric system was coined after this sense of the word, not the other way around. To call something a metric in no way invokes the metric system. If I say "he weighs 150 pounds", that's a metric, but has nothing to do with the metric system.– Dan BronCommented Sep 26, 2015 at 12:35
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1@Dan Bron. That's an answer, not a comment.– JJM DriessenCommented Sep 26, 2015 at 12:38
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2@JJMDriessen Nuh uh. Answers have to be supported. Comments don't ;)– Dan BronCommented Sep 26, 2015 at 12:40
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2@JJMDriessen - Ah, but if one made it an answer someone would insist on it being documented with references, and that's tiresome to do.– Hot LicksCommented Sep 26, 2015 at 12:40
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2@series0ne You have my unqualified permission to post my comment (or simply a paraphrase) as a self-answer. No need to credit me.– Dan BronCommented Sep 26, 2015 at 12:45
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1 Answer
With credit to Dan Bron, and I quote:
"Metric, as a noun, simply means measurement. The term metric system was coined after this sense of the word, not the other way around. To call something a metric in no way invokes the metric system. If I say "he weighs 150 pounds", that's a metric, but has nothing to do with the metric system."
answered Sep 26, 2015 at 12:46