kilometer

UK: ˈkɪləˌmiːtə | US: kɪˈlɑːmɪtər

Definition

  1. n. a metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters (approximately 0.62 miles).

Structure
kilo <thousand, from Greek "chilioi">meter <measure, from Greek "metron">
Etymology

The word "kilometer" combines the Greek morpheme "kilo-" (meaning "thousand") with "meter" (derived from Greek "metron," meaning "measure"). It was adopted during the French Revolution as part of the metric system, designed to standardize measurements using decimal-based units. The prefix "kilo-" logically scales the base unit "meter" by a factor of 1,000, reflecting the system's emphasis on simplicity and universality.

Examples

  1. The marathon is 42.195 kilometers long.

  2. Mount Everest stands at approximately 8.8 kilometers above sea level.

  3. She cycled 15 kilometers to reach the next town.

  4. The speed limit in this area is 60 kilometers per hour.

  5. The scientist measured the distance in kilometers for precision.