MKS

MKS is an acronym with several distinct meanings in science, technology, and industry.

In metrology, MKS refers to the meter-kilogram-second system of units, an early coherent unit system based on the base units meter, kilogram, and second. The MKS system played a foundational role in the development of the International System of Units (SI). As electromagnetism and other fields grew, the ampere was incorporated to form the MKSA (meter-kilogram-second-ampere) system, and the evolution of these concepts contributed to the modern SI framework with seven base units.

MKS also appears in the name of MKS Instruments, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer serving the vacuum, semiconductor, and scientific research markets. The company provides instrumentation such as vacuum measurement and control devices, pressure and flow controllers, and related process-monitoring equipment. Founded in 1961, MKS Instruments operates globally and trades publicly on the NASDAQ under the ticker MKSI.

Other uses of the acronym MKS may occur in various organizations, products, or field-specific terminology, but the two above are among the most widely referenced. Because MKS can refer to both a historical unit system and a modern corporation, context is important to determine the intended meaning.