Definition

Referring to a system of measurement that does not use the metric system, such as inches, feet, and pounds instead of meters, liters, and kilograms.

Example

In the United States, many products are labeled with nonmetric measurements like inches and pounds.

Conversation

Have you seen the new measuring tools they have at the store?

Yeah, I noticed some were nonmetric and some were metric.

I wonder why they still sell nonmetric options these days.

Probably because some people still prefer them for certain tasks.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonmetric → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "metric" (from Greek "metron", meaning measure). The word "nonmetric" refers to something that does not involve or is not based on measurement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') related to 'measure' ('metron') — that's why nonmetric means something that does not involve measurement.

Visually Confused Words