kilogram

UK: ˈkɪləɡræm | US: ˈkɪləɡræm

Definition

  1. n. a unit of mass equal to 1,000 grams (approximately 2.2 pounds), used in the metric system.

Structure
kilo <thousand>gram <unit of weight>
Etymology

The word "kilogram" combines the Greek-derived prefix "kilo-" (from "chilioi," meaning "thousand") with "gram" (from Greek "gramma," originally "small weight" or "letter," later standardized as a unit of mass in the metric system). Introduced during the French Revolution (1795), it reflects the metric system’s decimal logic, where "kilo-" scales the base unit ("gram") by 1,000. The term preserves its Greek roots while serving as a globally recognized measurement.

Examples

  1. A kilogram of apples costs about $3 at the market.

  2. The package must not exceed 20 kilograms for international shipping.

  3. She lost five kilograms after three months of exercise.

  4. The recipe calls for half a kilogram of flour.

  5. Scientists use kilograms to measure mass in laboratory experiments.