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Glite Dictionary
geometric pace

geometric pace

9.9
A unit of length equal to five feet used for measuring land
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : paso geométrico
  • A geometric pace is standardized at five feet in modern surveying.

Examples

  • The surveyor measured the distance in geometric paces for accuracy.

  • Historical texts sometimes refer to the geometric pace as a way to measure land boundaries.

  • The surveyor measured the land in geometric paces.

  • Each geometric pace equals five feet.

  • A geometric pace is a unit of length equal to five feet, commonly used in surveying.

  • The geometric pace, measuring five feet, is essential for accurately determining property lines.

  • When plotting the area, the architect relied on geometric paces to ensure precision.

Surface Forms

geometric pace singular
geometric paces plural

Morphology

geometric + pace

A B1 learner who knows 'geometric' (relating to geometry/measurement) and 'pace' (a step or unit of length) can infer that 'geometric pace' refers to a standardized or measured step — i.e., a unit of length used in surveying. However, the precise historical value (e.g. exactly five feet and Roman origins) is specialized factual knowledge not predictable from the constituents, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Geometric pace comes from the old idea of measuring by a walking step: the Roman pace was two steps, and later people set that step at '5 feet' so measuring was easier. That's why geometric pace now means 'a unit of length equal to 5 feet', often used by surveyors.