International System
/ˌɪntəˈnaʃ(ə)n(ə)l ˌsɪstɪm/ /ˌɪntəˈnaʃən(ə)l ˌsɪstɪm/noun
1A system of physical units having as base units the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, candela, and mole, with derived units defined in terms of these by a set of prefixes indicating multiplication or division by a power of ten; abbreviated SI.
- The system is based on the metric system, but with refined definitions avoiding as far as possible reliance on a physical artefact as the defining object. Following the redefiniton of the metre the only unit now relying on such a standard is the kilogram..
2 Engineering. A system of dimensions and proportions for screw threads for screws and bolts of various sizes, based on metric units of measurement. Now chiefly historical.
- First proposed, as a system for standardizing screw threads across Europe, in 1898 at the Congrès international pour l'unification des filetages..
Origin
Mid 19th century (in an earlier sense). From international + system.
- from now (or then etc.) on
- from on high
- from (or out of) nowhere
- from overseas
- from pillar to post
- (from) rags to riches
- from scratch
- from side to side
- unredacted
- unrede
- unredeemable
- unredeemed
- unredeemedly
- unredeeming
- unredressable
- unredressed
- unreduceable
- unreduced
- unreducible
- unredy
- unreel
- unreelable
- unreeve
- unrefereed
- unreferring