Definitions
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- prefix A combining form used to signify thousand in forming the names of units of measurement
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- prefix In the
International System of Units and othermetric systems of units, multiplying theunit to which it is attached by 1,000. Symbol: k - prefix computing Multiplying the unit to which it is attached by 210 (1024)
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
From French, kilo- irregularly derived from χίλιοι (chilioi ) "one thousand". The "correct" form would be chili-, resulting in forms such as chiliasm. But the French, when creating the prefix had to avoid a possible (standard) pronunciation of chi as IPA: /ʃi/, too close to the vulgar verb chier.
Support
Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word kilo-.
Examples
Sorry, no example sentences found.
Comments
Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.