Standard

In War. An ensign or flag used in war. In Measures. A weight or measure of certain dimensions, to which all other weights and measures must correspond: as, a standard bushel. Also, the quality of certain metals, to which all others of the same kind ought to be made to conform: as, standard gold, standard silver. A National Bureau of Standards was established March 3, 1901, to have custody of the standards, the comparison of those used in scientific, etc., matters; their construction, with multiples and subdivisions; the testing and calibration of standard measuring apparatus; the solution of problems in connection with standards; the determination of physical constants and the properties of materials. It exercises its functions for the benefit of the United States, any state or municipality, or any scientific or educational institution, firm, corporation or individual engaged in manufacturing or research requiring standard measuring instruments. See Measures; Weights.