Metric system
The metric system is a system of measurement that standardises a set of base units and a nomenclature for describing relatively large and small quantities using decimal-based multiplicative unit prefixes. Though the rules governing the metric system have changed over time, the modern definition, the International System of Units (SI), defines the metric prefixes and seven base units: metre (m), kilogram (kg), second (s), ampere (A), kelvin (K), mole (mol), and candela (cd).
An SI derived unit is a named combination of base units, such as the hertz (cycles per second), newton (kg⋅m/s2), and tesla (1 kg⋅s−2⋅A−1). In the case of degrees Celsius, it is a shifted scale derived from the kelvin. Certain units have been officially accepted for use with the SI. Some of these are decimalised, like the litre and electronvolt, and are considered "metric". Others, like the astronomical unit are not. Ancient non-metric but SI-accepted multiples of time, minute and hour, are base 60 (sexagesimal). Similarly, the angular measure degree and submultiples, arcminute, and arcsecond, are also sexagesimal and SI-accepted.
The SI system derives from the older metre-kilogram-second (MKS) system of units, though the definitions of the base units have evolved over time. Today, all base units are defined by physical constants – not by prototypes in the form of physical objects, as they were in the past.
Other metric system variants include the centimetre–gram–second system of units, the metre–tonne–second system of units, and the gravitational metric system. Each has unaffiliated metric units. Some of these systems are still used in limited contexts.