How Do You Spell MILLIMETRES?

Pronunciation: [mˈɪlɪmˌiːtəz] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "millimetres" is often an area of confusion for many people, particularly due to the double 'l' and 'm'. The word is pronounced /mɪˈlɪmɪtəz/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as in the word "milk" and the second syllable sounds like "lime". The double 'l' and 'm' are necessary as they indicate the two separate sounds in the pronunciation - 'li' and 'mi'. Remembering this phonetic transcription should help in reducing spelling errors for this word.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

MILLIMETRES Meaning and Definition

  1. Millimetres are a unit of measurement used to quantify length in the metric system. It is abbreviated as 'mm'. The term "millimetre" derives from the Latin word "mille," meaning a thousand, and the word "metrum," which refers to a measurement. A millimetre is equal to one thousandth of a meter, thus making it a very small unit of measurement.

    In practical terms, a millimetre represents a length that is 1/100th (or 0.01) of a centimetre, or roughly 0.03937 inches. Due to its small size, millimetres are often used to measure extremely precise or detailed objects or dimensions. The use of millimetres is particularly prominent in fields such as engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and construction.

    Millimetres are commonly used in measuring small distances and dimensions, such as the thickness of paper, electronic components, or the diameter of small objects. Additionally, it is used to measure tolerances and clearances in various industries, where precision is crucial. Millimetres are included in most rulers, measuring tapes, and other measuring devices that have metric measurements.

    Overall, the millimetre is a fundamental unit of measurement that enables accuracy and precision when quantifying small lengths or dimensions. Its usage in various industries establishes a universal and standardized system for measurements, facilitating communication and ensuring consistent results across different applications.

Etymology of MILLIMETRES

The word "millimetres" (also spelled "millimeters" in American English) is derived from the combination of two words: "milli-" and "metre".

The prefix "milli-" is derived from the Latin word "mille", which means a thousand. In the International System of Units (SI), "milli-" represents one thousandth of a unit. In this case, it refers to one thousandth of a meter.

The term "metre" (meter in American English) is also derived from the Latin word "metrum", meaning measure. It is the base unit of length in the metric system.

Therefore, combining "milli-" and "metre" together forms the word "millimetres", which denotes a measurement unit to represent one thousandth of a meter.