Bob,
In the context of metrology, the verb "to weigh" means to balance
forces for the purpose of measuring the mass of an object.
The gerund form "weighing" is the process of balancing forces.
The nound form "weight" (w = m . g) is the "force of gravity".
These are already well defined terms (cf. CGPM declarations and
ISO definitions); however frequently violated by nonconformists.
...........................................
On Tue, 27 Feb 2001 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> ... We need...to invent a word xxxx, a verb both transitive and
> intransitive, parallel to "weigh" to give the set:
> weigh weight
> xxxx mass
> ...
Bob,
Mass is easy to measure by standard masses in the process
of weighing. Force is more difficult to measure.
The set should be:
To weigh (by balancing forces) with standard masses easily
measures the mass of an unknown object.
To calibrate an elastic device (spring or load cell) in units of
force (including weight), in newtons, is a more difficult process.
Gene.
