system of weights
1
4.0
- noun
- Specialized
- The scientist used the metric system of weights to ensure accurate measurements in her experiments.
Examples
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To convert the mass from grams to pounds, you need to understand the system of weights commonly used in the United States.
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In the meeting, Thomas Jefferson was employed to find the best system of weights and measures to be used in the USA.
Blog text (1) -
That is to say, the body in Trio A is understood and deployed as a system of weights and forces.
Academic text (1999) -
The new regulations require all products to display their weight according to a standardized system of weights.
Synonyms
1
3.5
A set of units and rules used to measure things like length, weight, or volume
1
3.6
A set of units used to measure length, weight, and time
Antonyms
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward compositional noun phrase: 'system' (a set or arrangement) combined with 'weights' specifies the domain, so the meaning 'a set of units or methods for measuring weight' is directly inferable from the constituents. The structure is literal and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the words would readily understand it.
Etymology
The noun system of weights comes from old markets where sellers used a set of metal weights on a scale to measure goods, and the whole set was the system. That's why it now means 'a standard set of units' used to measure weight.