Is the proper term metrication or metrification?
We prefer metrication, with no if in the word. There is no “if” about metrication, just “when.” The Oxford English Dictionary lists metrication as the preferred form. Its earliest citation is a 29 November 1965 Times article quoting J. V. Dunworth, Director of the National Physical Laboratory: Earlier this year the National Physical Laboratory sought the guidance of the editor [sc. E. McIntosh] of the Concise Oxford Dictionary on this matter… His reply was as follows: — ‘Consider the following: Carbon(ize); decimal(ize);..methyl(ate); oxygen(ate). The modern tendency is to use -ize, -ization in forming new words rather than -ate, -ation. It seems to me that either metrication or metricization could be used.’ In the light of these comments the N.P.L. and the Ministry of Technology chose ‘metrication’ on the grounds of brevity and euphony. The corresponding verb ‘metricate’ seems very satisfactory. The term metrification is slightly more recent and less commonly used.
