metric

IPA: mˈɛtrɪk

A measure for something; a means of deriving a quantitative measurement or approximation for otherwise qualitative phenomena (especially used in engineering).
(mathematics) A function for the measurement of the "distance" between two points in some metric space: it is a real-valued function d(x,y) between points x and y satisfying the following properties: (1) "non-negativity": d(x,y)>0, (2) "identity of indiscernibles": d(x,y)=0 mbox iffx=y, (3) "symmetry": d(x,y)=d(y,x), and (4) "triangle inequality": d(x,y)<d(x,z)+d(z,y).
(mathematics) A metric tensor.
Abbreviation of metric system. [The system of units developed in France in the 1790s and now used worldwide.]

(transitive, aerospace, systems engineering) To measure or analyse statistical data concerning the quality or effectiveness of a process.

Examples of "metric" in Sentences

The metric is percent of total unemployed that are unemployed for longer than 1 year.
The only relevant $$$ metric is the net FDIC liability vs. the public $$$$ required to restore solvency.
The game could be played in the reverse, where the metric is the number of people you see singing along/tapping feet/dancing.
Look, I'm agnostic on whether this 'metric' is accurate, or whether an entirely non-subjective metric of freedom is even possible.
I think the distances being metric is probably more of a problem for a short term visitor than it is for those of us that live here.
Maybe the way to get the US to convert to metric is to start using the proper name for the "English" weights and measures system: "British Imperial Units".
Why couldn't ESMD have simply directed that things be done in metric in the first place - in compliance with NASA's own regulations (note the OIG report from 2001 years before Constellation was even started).
TFP, or total factor productivity, is a key long-term metric, capturing technological and managerial efficiencies that the Conference Board believes have accounted for about a quarter of total global output growth in recent years.