1. Unit of Measurement:
- This is the most common meaning of "meter". It refers to a unit of length, typically used in the metric system.
2. Poetic Device:
- In poetry, "meter" refers to the rhythmic pattern of a line of verse, determined by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables.
3. Measuring Device:
- "Meter" can also refer to a device that measures something, like an electricity meter or a gas meter.
4. Instrument:
- In music, "meter" can refer to the rhythmic pattern of a piece of music, often determined by the time signature.
To determine which meaning of "meter" is intended, you need to consider the surrounding context.
For example,
* "The room is 5 meters long." refers to the unit of measurement.
* "The poem is written in iambic pentameter." refers to the poetic device.
* "The electricity meter is broken." refers to the measuring device.
* "The song is in 4/4 meter." refers to the musical instrument.