Meter Converter
Convert Meter to Furlong Us Survey and more • 91 conversions
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Unit Explanations
Meterm
Source UnitThe meter, symbol m, is the fundamental unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the distance that light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds. This precise definition reflects the speed of light, a constant of nature, and ensures high accuracy in measurements. The meter is widely used across various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life, providing a standard for measuring distances and dimensions. The meter is integral to both metric and imperial systems, serving as a critical reference point for other length units, such as kilometers and centimeters.
Current Use
The meter is extensively used worldwide as the standard unit for measuring length and distance, particularly in countries that have adopted the metric system. In scientific research, it is a fundamental unit for results in physics, engineering, and technology. For instance, in the construction industry, meters are critical for measuring dimensions of buildings, roads, and infrastructure. The meter is also vital in fields such as aviation for altitudes and distances, in medicine for measuring dosages and dimensions of medical instruments, and in sports for track and field events. Countries like France, Germany, and Japan utilize the meter as their primary length measurement, promoting international standardization in trade and communication.
Fun Fact
The meter was originally defined based on the Earth's meridian, making it a geophysical measure.
Furlong (US Survey)fur
Target UnitThe furlong, often abbreviated as 'fur', is a traditional unit of length that is equivalent to 660 feet or 1/8 of a mile. It is primarily used in horse racing and some agricultural contexts. The furlong originated from the length of a furrow in plowed land, which was the distance a team of oxen could plow in a single day. In the United States, the surveyor's furlong is defined as precisely 201.168 meters. The furlong has historical significance in the English-speaking world, where it has been employed in various agricultural and land measurement practices. The unit is still relevant today in specific contexts, particularly in equestrian sports, where distances are often measured in furlongs.
Current Use
Currently, the furlong is most commonly used in the context of horse racing, where it serves as a standard measure for race distances. In the United States, race distances are frequently expressed in furlongs, with tracks often marking the distance in this unit for the benefit of spectators and participants. Beyond racing, the furlong is also utilized in some agricultural contexts, particularly in rural areas where traditional measurements remain in use. Certain historical land surveys may reference furlongs, and it is still encountered in some localities where customary units are preferred. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom maintain the furlong's relevance, ensuring its continued use in specific contexts despite the metric system's prevalence.
Fun Fact
The furlong was historically based on the length of furrows in farmland, bridging agriculture and measurement.
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Meter
length • SI Unit
Definition
The meter, symbol m, is the fundamental unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the distance that light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds. This precise definition reflects the speed of light, a constant of nature, and ensures high accuracy in measurements. The meter is widely used across various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life, providing a standard for measuring distances and dimensions. The meter is integral to both metric and imperial systems, serving as a critical reference point for other length units, such as kilometers and centimeters.
History & Origin
The concept of a meter dates back to the late 18th century when the French Academy of Sciences sought a universal standard for measurements. The meter was officially defined in 1791 as one ten-millionth of the distance from the North Pole to the equator along a meridian. This ambitious project aimed to create a measurement system based on the Earth's dimensions rather than arbitrary standards. The first physical meter was a platinum bar, established in 1799. However, due to the practical challenges of using a physical object for measurement, the definition evolved over time, ultimately leading to the current definition based on the speed of light.
Etymology: The term 'meter' is derived from the Greek word 'metron', meaning 'measure'.
Current Use
The meter is extensively used worldwide as the standard unit for measuring length and distance, particularly in countries that have adopted the metric system. In scientific research, it is a fundamental unit for results in physics, engineering, and technology. For instance, in the construction industry, meters are critical for measuring dimensions of buildings, roads, and infrastructure. The meter is also vital in fields such as aviation for altitudes and distances, in medicine for measuring dosages and dimensions of medical instruments, and in sports for track and field events. Countries like France, Germany, and Japan utilize the meter as their primary length measurement, promoting international standardization in trade and communication.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The meter was originally defined based on the Earth's meridian, making it a geophysical measure.
- •The current definition of the meter is based on a universal constant, the speed of light.
- •A nanometer is one billionth of a meter, commonly used in fields like nanotechnology and semiconductor physics.
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Furlong (US Survey)
length • Non-SI
Definition
The furlong, often abbreviated as 'fur', is a traditional unit of length that is equivalent to 660 feet or 1/8 of a mile. It is primarily used in horse racing and some agricultural contexts. The furlong originated from the length of a furrow in plowed land, which was the distance a team of oxen could plow in a single day. In the United States, the surveyor's furlong is defined as precisely 201.168 meters. The furlong has historical significance in the English-speaking world, where it has been employed in various agricultural and land measurement practices. The unit is still relevant today in specific contexts, particularly in equestrian sports, where distances are often measured in furlongs.
History & Origin
The furlong traces its origins back to the Anglo-Saxon period, where it was derived from the Old English term 'furlang,' meaning 'furrow length.' This term referred to the distance a team of oxen could plow a straight line in one day, making it a practical measure for agricultural purposes. The furlong was standardized based on this agricultural practice, which emphasized its importance in land measurement. The use of the furlong became prevalent in medieval England and was included in legal definitions of land measurement during this time, reflecting its significance in farming and land ownership.
Etymology: The term 'furlong' comes from the combination of 'furrow' and 'long,' literally meaning 'the length of a furrow.'
Current Use
Currently, the furlong is most commonly used in the context of horse racing, where it serves as a standard measure for race distances. In the United States, race distances are frequently expressed in furlongs, with tracks often marking the distance in this unit for the benefit of spectators and participants. Beyond racing, the furlong is also utilized in some agricultural contexts, particularly in rural areas where traditional measurements remain in use. Certain historical land surveys may reference furlongs, and it is still encountered in some localities where customary units are preferred. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom maintain the furlong's relevance, ensuring its continued use in specific contexts despite the metric system's prevalence.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The furlong was historically based on the length of furrows in farmland, bridging agriculture and measurement.
- •In horse racing, one furlong is approximately 1/8 of a mile, making it a critical unit for race distances.
- •The longest horse race in history was the 1843 race in England, covering a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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