Pronunciation: [mˈɛtɹɪkˌe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "metricate" is spelled /ˈmɛtrəkeɪt/. The first syllable, "met," is pronounced as /ˈmɛt/, with a short e sound. The second syllable, "ri," is pronounced as /rɪ/, with a short i sound. The third syllable, "cate," is pronounced as /keɪt/, with a long a sound followed by a t sound. This word means to convert or express in the metric system, and is often used in scientific or mathematical contexts.
Metricate is a verb that refers to the act of converting or expressing something in terms of the metric system of measurement. Derived from the term "metric," which pertains to a system of measurement based on the decimal scale, metricate specifically implies the process of adopting, using, or conforming to this system.
Metricate is often used in contexts where measurements need to be standardized or compared universally. This practice involves converting measurements from other systems, such as imperial or customary units, into their equivalent metric values. For instance, metricating a length measurement would entail converting inches into centimeters or feet into meters, thus facilitating easier comparisons and calculations across different regions or disciplines that predominantly use the metric system.
Metricating also extends to other spheres beyond physical measurements. It can refer to the process of adapting or transforming various aspects, such as currencies, time measurement, or language, into a metric-based format. This could involve replacing a traditional calendar system with one based on the metric system, standardizing units of currency to a decimal-based system, or even considering the metrication of language by introducing or promoting metric prefixes and terms.
Overall, metricate denotes the action of embracing or adjusting to the metric system of measurement, whether applied to physical quantities or abstract concepts, in order to simplify standardization and harmonization across different domains.
The word "metricate" is derived from the Latin word "metricare" which means "to metrical". This Latin word is formed from the root "metrum" meaning "measure" combined with the suffix "-icare" which indicates an action or state. Therefore, "metricare" can be roughly translated as "to put into metric measure". The English term "metricate" retains the meaning of measuring or arranging according to a metric system, particularly in the context of poetry or music.
