Decimeter: meaning, definitions and examples

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decimeter

 

[ ˈdɛsɪˌmiːtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

measurement unit

A decimeter is a unit of length in the metric system that is equal to one-tenth of a meter. It is commonly used in various measurements, particularly in education and science to provide a smaller unit than a meter while being more relatable than a centimeter.

Synonyms

dm, tenth of a meter

Examples of usage

  • The ruler was marked in decimeters for easier measurements.
  • A decimeter is used in science to measure small distances accurately.
  • The height of the plant was approximately three decimeters.
  • You need to convert the length from centimeters to decimeters for the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "decimeter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decímetro

🇮🇳 डेसिमिटर

🇩🇪 Dezimeter

🇮🇩 desimeter

🇺🇦 дециметр

🇵🇱 decymetr

🇯🇵 デシメートル

🇫🇷 décimètre

🇪🇸 decímetro

🇹🇷 desimetre

🇰🇷 데시미터

🇸🇦 ديسيمتر

🇨🇿 decimetr

🇸🇰 decimeter

🇨🇳 分米

🇸🇮 decimeter

🇮🇸 desímetri

🇰🇿 дециметр

🇬🇪 დეციმეტრი

🇦🇿 desimetr

🇲🇽 decímetro

Etymology

The term 'decimeter' is derived from the metric system, which was established in France during the late 18th century. The prefix 'deci-' comes from the Latin 'decimus', meaning 'tenth'. Hence, a decimeter represents one-tenth of the base unit of length, which is the meter. The introduction of the metric system aimed to create a standardized form of measurement that could be universally adopted. The decimeter serves as an intermediary measurement that facilitates easier calculations compared to using just meters and centimeters alone. While not as widely used as meters or centimeters, it finds application in fields such as education, where clear demonstrations of length are essential.