The phrase “dry measure” is not the title of a widely recognized or independently documented concept in standard encyclopedic references. Consequently, there is insufficient dedicated encyclopedic information to treat it as an established term with a comprehensive definition.
Limited discussion
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Etymology and literal meaning: The word “dry” modifies “measure” to indicate measurement of substances that are not liquid. In historical and agricultural contexts, “dry measure” has been used generically to refer to units for quantifying dry goods such as grains, seeds, or powdered materials. This contrasts with “wet measure,” which applies to liquids.
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Historical usage: Legal and commercial documents from the 18th and 19th centuries occasionally distinguish between “dry” and “wet” measures when specifying quantities for trade, taxation, or standards. Example contexts include statutes regulating the sale of grain or the definition of a “bushel” as a dry‑volume unit.
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Modern relevance: Contemporary measurement systems (e.g., the International System of Units) typically employ universal units (liter, cubic meter) regardless of the material’s state, so the explicit label “dry measure” is rarely used in current technical literature.
Given the absence of a dedicated article or authoritative source defining “dry measure” as a distinct concept, the term remains a descriptive phrase rather than a formally recognized entry in encyclopedic compilations.
