metricist 
metricist (met'ri-sist), . [< metric" + -igt.] 
A metrical writer: a metrician. 
Counterpoint, therefore. Is not to lie achieved bjr the 
inetrici*t, even tlmiiyh he. be I'indar himself. 
Kiuyc. Urit., XIX. 2C2. 
metrics 1 (met 'riks), M. [I'l. of metric 1 : see -ica.] 
The philosophical and mathematical theory of 
measurement. 
metrics- (met/riks), n. f PI. of metric'*: see -iex.] 
1. The art of versification. 2. The science or 
doctrine which treats of rhythm in language mid 
its employment in poetic composition. Both as 
mi art and us a science metrics is a branch of rhythmics, 
and relates to rhythm in language as music or harmonics 
docs to musical rhythm, and orchestics (regarded as an 
art or science by the ancients) to rhythm In the move- 
ments of the body. It is a distinct science from grammar 
in Its proper sense, the only department of which ap- 
proaching metrics is that called pruvidy that is, the study 
of quantity or the determination of longs and shorts In 
spoken language. As a matter of convenience grammars 
have added to this elementary or empiric treatise* on 
versification, ami so in traditional and popular usage pro*- 
od)t is made equivalent to metric*. In metrical compo- 
sition the unit Is the time (mora) or the syllable. In the 
nomenclature of modern metrics syllables combine into 
feet or measures, these Into lines, and lines into stanza* 
or strophes. In the more exact and complete terminology 
of ancient metrics times or syllables combine into feet or 
measures, measures Into cola, lines (verses), or periods, 
periods into systems or strophes, strophes into perlcopes, 
and lines, periods, systems, or perlcopes into poems. Also 
metric. 
Metridium (me-trid'i-um), n. [NL., < Or. //- 
rpi6tor, < ftr/rpa, womb : see matrix.] A genus of 
sea-anemones. ,!/. marginatum is the commonest sea- 
anemone of the New England coast, found in abundance 
Sea-anemone (.\fetriiiin 
atum}, open and closed. 
in quiet tide-pools on rocks and submerged timber. When 
full-blown or distended with water this actinia may be 
eight or ten Inches in diameter. 
metrification (met'ri-ti-ka'shon), n. [< metri- 
fi/ + -ation (see -fication).] The making of 
verses ; a metrical composition. [Rare.] 
Should I flounder awhile without a tumble 
Through this metriflcation of Catullus. 
Tennyson, Hendecasyllabics. 
metrifier (rnet'ri-fl-er), n. A metrist; a versi- 
fier. 
metrify (met'ri-fi), v. t. ; pret. and pp. metrified, 
ppr. im-trifi/iiii/. [< OF. metrifier, < ML. nietrifi- 
care, write in meter, < L. metrum, meter (see 
meter 2 ), + facers, make : see -fy.~\ To compose 
meters or verses. 
In metrifyiny his base can not well be larger then a 
meetre of si\. Puttenham. Arte of Eng. Poesle, p. 70. 
Metriinae (met-ri-i'ne), n. pi. [< Metrius + 
-inn:] A group of beetles of the family I'tirn- 
liiiln; typified by the genus Mctri<t<. having the 
body not pedunculate, the posterior coxw sepa- 
rated, the prosternum prolonged at the tip, 
and the mandibles with a setigerous puncture. 
Also Mrtriim, as a tribe of Carabitue. 
metrist (me'trist), . [= Sp. tuetrixta, < ML. 
iiirtrixtn, u writer in meter, a poet, < L. im-tni'ii. 
meter: see ineter% and -ist.] One who is versed 
in poetic meter or rhythm; a metrical writer; 
a metrician. 
Coleridge himself, from natural fineness of ear, was the 
best inetrint among modern Knirlish poets. 
Lmcell, Study Windows, p. 287. 
metritis (me-tri'tis), n. INL., < Gr. /ifrpa (see 
matrix), womb, 4- -iti.i.] In /intliol., inflamma- 
tion of the uterus, especially of its middle coat. 
Metrius (met'ri-us). n. [NL., < Gr. ptrptof, of 
moderate size, < fierpov, measure: see mi'ti-i-".] 
The typieal genus of Mitrihur. founded by 
Kschsclioltx in 1M'J<). .!/. t-ontriictux is a Cali- 
fornian species found in woods under stones. 
metrocarcinoma (me-tn>-kiir-si-u6'ma), .: pi. 
metrnearrinnmntii (-ina-tii). [XL., < ftr. i/r;r/>. 
womb, + napnii-uua, a cancer: see <'ar,-inoma.] 
In imthol.. carcinoma of the uterus. 
3741! 
metrochrome (met'ro-krora), n. [< Gr. perpov, 
a measure, + x/ii'.i/m, color. J An instrument 
for measuring colors, 
metrocracy (me-trok'ra-si), n. [< Gr. fifymp, 
mother, + -uparia, < Kpareiv, rule.] Rule by the 
mother of the family. 
The theory which regards metrocracy and communal 
marriage as a stage through which the human race in gen- 
eral has passed. The Academy, Feb. i;>, 1888, p. ISO. 
metrograph (met'ro-grif), . [< Gr. ptrpuv, a 
measure, + jfMfyttv, write.] An apparatus for 
measuring and recording the rate of speed of a 
railway locomotive at any moment, ana the time 
of arrival at and departure from each station. 
metroiacon (met-ro-i'a-kon), B. ; pi. metroiaca 
(-ka). [LL., also nn'triiini'/nii, (. Gr. ur/rpyaicoV, 
neut. of /irrrptfMKof, equi v. to fufrpQof, of a mother, 
specifically of Cybele as the mother of the 
gods, < ftS/nip, mother: see mother 1 .] In pros., 
same as galliambus. 
metrological (met-ro-loj'i-kal), n. [< metrolog-y 
+ -io-/. ] Of or pertaining'to metrology. 
metrologist (met-rol'o-jist), 11. [< mttrolog-y + 
int.] Astudent of or an expert in metrology. 
metrology (met-rol'o-ji), n. [= F. mrtrologie = 
Sp. Hii'trologia = Pg. It. metrologia, < Gr. /itrpav, 
a measure,-!- -hoyia, < Myetv, speak: see -ology.] 
The science of weights and measures. It has two 
parts, one relating to the art of weighing and measuring. 
ami the other accumulating facts hi regard to units of mea- 
sure which are now or have formerly been In use. Docu- 
mentary metrology, the science of ancient weights and 
measures based upon the study of monuments, especially of 
standards in regard to which there is sufficient evidence 
that they were intended to represent certain measures. 
Historical metrology, the investigation of the weights 
and measures of the past, and especially of the ancients. 
It is divided into documentary and Inductive metrology. 
Inductive metrology, that based upon the measure- 
ment of a large number of objects In regard to any one 
of which there is little or no evidence that it was intended 
to have any exact measure. 
metromania (met-ro-ma'ui-&), . [== F. metro- 
manie = 8p. metromania = Pg. metromania, < Gr. 
Ittrpov, measure, + /mriu, madness.] A mania 
for writing poetry. 
metromaniac (met-ro-ma'ni-ak), a. [< metro- 
mania + -ic.] Characteristic of or affected with 
metromania; excessively fond of writing verses. 
He seems to have [suddenly] acquired the facility of 
versification, and to display It with almost metromaniac 
eagerness. 
W. Taylor, Survey of German Poetry, I. 188. (Dana.) 
metrometer 1 (met-rom'e-ter), n. [< Gr. /drpov, 
measure, + ptrpov, measure.] Same as metro- 
nome. 
metrometer 2 (met-rom'e-ter), n. [< Gr. iirrrpa, 
the womb, + fierpov, measure.] Same as hyste- 
rometer. 
metronome (met'ro-nom), n. [= F. mitronome,<. 
QrT.fttTpov, a measure, + KO//OC, law: see name 3 .] 
A mechanical contrivance for marking time, es- 
pecially as an aid in musical study or perform- 
ance. In its usual form it consists of a double pendulum 
(oscillating on a pivot near its center), the lower end of 
which is weighted with a ball of lead, while the upper end 
carries a weight of brass that may be moved up or down. 
When the latter weight Is moved up, the rate of oscillation 
is slower; when it is moved down, the rate is faster. The 
upper end of the pendulum Is graduated, so that anydeslred 
number of oscillations per minute can be secured. The 
whole is connect- 
ed with clock- 
work having a 
strong spring, 
whereby the os- 
cillation may he 
maintained for 
several minutes, 
and each oscil- 
lation may be 
marked by a dis- 
tinct tick or 
clack. The Inven- 
tion of the m et ro- 
norne was claim- 
ed by J. N. Mael- 
zel in 1818, but It 
is probable that 
he only adapted 
and introduced 
it to general use. 
The instrument 
Maelzel's Metronome. 
fa naH fnp r> I The dotted lines show the extent of vihtation 
1st ueu lur ro- . . ,u.^,,i... i 
cording the tem- 
of the pendulum.) 
no desired by a composer, and also as a means of teaching 
beginners the habit of keeping strict time. Its use is In- 
dicated in printed music by the metronomic mark (which 
MI. it mil r n,'if'-'' \ Sometimes an attachment is added for 
striking a hell at every second, third, fourth, or sixth os- 
cillation, so as to mark primary accents : such a metro- 
ni'im- is called a bell-metronome. Various other metro- 
nmnes have been invented, most of which are based upon 
tin- peiuhituin principle. Abbreviated Jf. 
metronomic (met-ro-nom'ik). . [X metronome 
+ -io.] Pertaining to a metronome, or to tem- 
po as indicated by a metronome Metronomic 
mark. See tmrt-i. 
metropolitan 
metronomv (met-ron'o-ini), n. [< metronome 
+ -y.] The act, process, or science of u-ini; 
a metronome, or of indicating tempo by i- 
ence to a metronome. 
metronymic (tnet-ro-nim'ik), . ami n. [< Gr. 
lurrpwviwtfa, named after one's mother, < //'/-'//>. 
mother, + iiriifin, ..Kolie ow/ia, name: see oiiyin. 
Cf. iHiitronymic, i>atronitmic.] I. a. Derived 
from the name of a mother or other female an- 
cestor: correlative to patronymic: as, a metro- 
H ii in ic name. 
II. n. A maternal name; a name derived 
from the mother or a maternal ancestor. 
Of metronymia, as we mar call them, used as personal 
descriptions, we find examples Iwth before and after the 
r<>naieftt. E. A. Freeman, Norman Conquest, V. 88U. 
metroperitonitis (rae-tro-per'i-to-ni'tis), n. 
[NL., < Gr. ftifriM, the womb, + NL. periUmitu, 
q. v.] I n pathol., inflammation of the uterus 
and peritoneum, 
metrophlebitis (me'tro-fle-bi'tis), n. [NL., < 
Gr. ft'/rpa, the womb, + NL. phlclritix, q. v.] 
Inflammation of the veins of the womb, 
metropolet (met'ro-pol), n. [< OF. metropole, 
F. metropole: see metroi>olix.\ A metropolis. 
Halliii-,1/. 
Dublin being the metropole and chiefe cltle of the whole 
land, and where are hir majesties principal) and high 
courts. llalinihed, Ireland, an. 1578. 
metropolis (me-trop'o-lis), n. [= F. metropole 
= Sp. metropoli = Pg. It. metropoli, < LL. metro- 
jxtlis, < Gr. /ii/rp6vo/jc, a mother state or city (a 
state or city in relation to its colonies), also a 
capital city, < f'fn/p, = E. mother, + ir6)jf, state, 
city: see police.] 1. In ancient Greece, the 
mother city or parent state of a colony, as 
Corinth of Corcyra and Syracuse, or Phocaea 
of Massalia (Marseilles), the colony being in- 
dependent, but usually maintaining close rela- 
tions with the metropolis. 
This Sldon, the annclent Metropoiu of the Phoenicians 
(now called Salto), In likelihood was built by Sldon. 
Pvrchat, Pilgrimage, p. HO. 
Colonies may be regarded as Independent states, attach- 
ed to their metroftttlu by ties of sympathy and common de- 
scent, but no further. 
W. Smith, Diet Greek and Roman Antiq., p. 314. 
2. Later, a chief city; a seat of government; 
in the early church, the see or chief city of an 
ecclesiastical province. 
We stopped at Pavla, that was once the metropolu of a 
kingdom, but at present a poor town. 
Additon, Travels in Italy. 
3. In modern usage : (a) Specifically, the see 
or seat of a metropolitan bishop. 
That so stood out against the holy church, 
The great metrnpolu and see of Rome. 
Shalt., K. John, v. 2. 72. 
Marclanopolfs lost its metropolitical rights, though it 
still continued a See : and Debeltus or Zagara became the 
Metropolis of the province. 
J. M. Xeale, Eastern Church, L 44. 
(6) The capital city or seat of government of a 
country, as London, Paris, or Washington, (c) 
A chief city ; a city holding the first rank in any 
respect within a certain territorial range: as, 
New York is the commercial metropolin of the 
United States. 4. In :oogeoi). and hot., the 
place of most numerous representation of a 
species by individuals, or of a genus by species : 
the focus of a generic area. See generic. 
metropolitan (met-ro-pol'i-tan), . and n. [= 
F. mctrnpolittiin = Sp. Pg. It. metro/iolitaiio, < 
LL. mctropolitiinim, of a metropolis, < metropo- 
/M, a metropolis : see mrtrojioliit.] I. a. 1. Of 
or pertaining to a metropolis, in any sense: 
residing in or connected with a metropolis: as, 
metrofiolitan enterprise ; mrtrojiolitan police. 
The eclipse 
That metropolitan volcanoes make. 
Whose Stygian throats breathe darkness all day long. 
Covper, Task, III. 727. 
2. Of or pertaining to the chief see of an eccle- 
siastical province: as, a metropolitan church. 
A bishop at that time had power in his own diocese over 
all other ministers there, and a metropolitan bishop sun- 
dry preeminence above other bishops. 
Hooter, Eccles, Polity, viL I 8. 
Very near the metropolitan church there are several 
pieces of marble entablatures and columns. 
Pamela, Description uf the East, II. L 253. 
Metropolitan district. See dufrit*. 
II. n. 1. A citizen of the mother city or pa- 
rent state of a colony. See metropolis. I . 
Both metropolitan! and colonists styled themselves He!- 
lens, and were recognised as such by each other. 
Qnte, Hist. Oreece, II. SIS. 
2. Ecrlcs. : (a) In the early Christian church. 
the bishop of the municipal capital of a prov- 
ince or eparchy, who had a general ecclesims- 
