Gram Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gram

[ɡram ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

language

A unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.

Synonyms

gramme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gram

Used predominantly in American English to measure small quantities, especially in cooking, nutrition, or science.

  • The recipe calls for 100 grams of sugar.
  • A single serving of the cereal contains 5 grams of protein.
gramme

Used in British English and other Commonwealth countries to measure small quantities. It has the same meaning as 'gram' but with different spelling.

  • Please add 200 grammes of flour to the mixture.
  • The laboratory sample weighed only 10 grammes.

Examples of usage

  • This package weighs 500 grams.
  • The recipe calls for 100 grams of sugar.
Context #2 | Noun

language

A metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.

Synonyms

gramme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gram

Commonly used in American English, 'gram' refers to a metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.

  • The recipe calls for 200 grams of sugar.
  • Each tablet contains 500 milligrams, which is half a gram.
gramme

Primarily used in British English, 'gramme' also refers to the same metric unit of mass as 'gram'.

  • The school project requires each student to bring 100 grammes of flour.
  • This product's net weight is 250 grammes.

Examples of usage

  • The weight of the apple is 150 grams.
  • She needs 200 grams of flour for the recipe.
Context #3 | Noun

language

A unit of liquid measurement in the metric system, equal to one milliliter of water.

Synonyms

gramme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gram

In American English, this term is commonly used to denote a metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.

  • The recipe calls for 200 grams of flour.
  • She measured out 50 grams of sugar for the cake.
gramme

In British and other forms of English outside the United States, this term is often used in place of 'gram' to denote the same metric unit of mass.

  • This package contains 100 grammes of tea.
  • The letter weighed only 20 grammes.

Examples of usage

  • Add 50 grams of water to the mixture.
  • The medicine should be taken in doses of 10 grams.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • One gram is equivalent to one thousandth of a kilogram, which is the base unit of mass in the metric system.
  • In chemistry, a mole of a substance is often expressed in grams, highlighting how the weight relates to the number of particles.
  • Grammes are essential in laboratories for accurate measurement in experiments, especially in pharmaceuticals.

Everyday Use

  • In cooking, recipes commonly use grams for precise ingredient measurements, especially in baking.
  • Nutrition labels often indicate the weight of nutrients in grams, helping people track their dietary intake.
  • Some countries primarily use the metric system, making grams a familiar unit of measurement for daily tasks like shopping.

Culture

  • In some cultures, weights of items like gold or spices are traditionally measured in grams for trade.
  • Fitness enthusiasts often track their food in grams to monitor their macros, aligning their diet with health goals.
  • In certain cultural contexts, personal preferences for portion sizes can significantly differ and be calculated using grams.

Origin of 'gram'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'gram' comes from the late Latin word 'gramma', meaning a small weight.
  • The first use of the word in English tracked back to the late 19th century as a standard measurement.
  • In French, 'gramme' is used, highlighting its roots in European languages.

The word 'gram' originated from the French word 'gramme', which came from the Late Latin 'gramma', meaning a small weight.


See also: gramme, grammy, gramps.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,195 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.