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The modern metric system is known as the International System of Units. The nameInternational System of Units with the international abbreviation (SI) was given to thesystem by the General Conference on Weights and Measures in 1960.

DEFINITIONThe International System of Units is a decimal system, based on the number ten,of weights and measures, employing grams, meters, liters, and other units.

Seven Basic units have been established as the International System of Units:The meter (m) for length;The kilogram (kg) for mass;The second (s) for time;The Kelvin (K) or Celsius (C) degree for temperature;The mole (mol) for the amount of a substance;The ampere (A) for electric current; and The candela (cd) for luminous intensity.

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