meter
MEE-ter
/ˈmiːtər/
A device fitted to a taxi that calculates the fare based on distance traveled and time elapsed.
Refers to physical or digital measuring instruments used to calculate financial charges continuously.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'metron' via French and Latin into English. The taximeter was invented in 1891 by German engineer Friedrich Wilhelm Gustav Bruhn, giving birth to the modern word 'taxicab' (shortened from 'taximeter cabriolet').
Word relationships
- gauge: 'Gauge' measures quantity or pressure, while 'meter' explicitly measures and registers accumulated amounts or fares.
- taximeter: 'Taximeter' is the specific compound noun for taxi-fare measuring devices.
- flat rate: 'Flat rate' indicates a fixed pre-agreed fee independent of a running meter.
Commonly confused with
- metre: 'Metre' is the standard unit of distance (100 cm), whereas 'meter' is a measuring device.
Word family
- metered (adjective): Measured or charged using a meter.
Collocations
- taximeter
- meter rate
- on the meter
- run the meter
- meter fare
Idioms & expressions
- the meter is running
Example sentences
- "The taxi driver flipped the switch to start the meter as soon as we got in." Taxicab travel
- "The meter ticked over relentlessly as we sat stuck in gridlocked city traffic." Literature citation
Memory hook
A METER calculates every METER you travel. Counts miles and money.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the metric unit of length ('metre' in British English).
Fun facts
- The word 'taxi' itself comes directly from the 'taximeter' device installed in early motor carriages!
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