Measurement is the process of assigning numbers or symbols to characteristics of objects, events, or states according to explicitly defined rules. It's a fundamental process in science, engineering, statistics, and many other fields. The goal of measurement is to provide a quantitative description of something.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

• Quantification: Measurement transforms qualitative observations into quantitative data. This allows for comparison, analysis, and mathematical manipulation.
• Rules: Measurements must follow established rules or procedures to ensure consistency and comparability. These rules define how the numbers or symbols are assigned.
• Characteristics: Measurement focuses on specific attributes or properties of objects or events, such as length, weight, temperature, time, etc.

For example, measuring the length of a table involves assigning a numerical value (e.g., 1.5 meters) to the table's length according to a defined scale and procedure (e.g., using a meter stick). This allows us to compare the length of the table to other objects and to perform calculations, such as determining the area of the table's surface.

For more information, you can refer to these resources:

• NIST - Measurement Science and Standards
• Wikipedia - Measurement