Dictionary · Standards & Units
Quantity of dimension one
A quantity whose dimension has all base-quantity exponents equal to zero — refractive index, strain, a ratio of like quantities; often loosely called "dimensionless".
Related terms
More from Standards & Units
Conversion factor between units
The ratio of two units for quantities of the same kind — 25.4 mm/in; the numerical value changes, the quantity does not.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.24
Multiple of a unit
A unit obtained by multiplying a given unit by an integer greater than one — the kilometre from the metre.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.17
Off-system measurement unit
A unit that does not belong to the system of units in use — the day, the electronvolt, and the nautical mile relative to the SI.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.15
Primary measurement standard
A standard established using a primary reference measurement procedure, or created as an artifact chosen by convention — not calibrated against another standard for the same quantity.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 5.4
Kind of quantity
The aspect common to mutually comparable quantities — length, mass, and energy are kinds; diameter and wavelength are both quantities of the kind length.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.2
Quantity value
A number together with a reference (such as a measurement unit) expressing the magnitude of a quantity — 5.34 m, 0.152 kg, or a value on an agreed scale.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.19