Hectogram Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hectogram

[ˈhɛktəˌɡræm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

measurement unit

A hectogram is a metric unit of mass equal to 100 grams. It is commonly used in fields such as nutrition and cooking to measure food quantities. Hectograms can be found in various contexts where precise weight measurements are necessary.

Synonyms

decagram, hundred grams.

Examples of usage

  • A recipe calls for 2 hectograms of flour.
  • The package weighs 5 hectograms.
  • Nutrition labels often list servings in hectograms.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In science, precise measurements like hectograms are crucial for experiments, especially in chemistry and physics.
  • Hectograms are commonly used in fields like nutrition to measure food amounts.
  • The metric system facilitates conversion, which means that 1 hectogram equals 0.1 kilograms easily understood in various applications.

Daily Life

  • In cooking, recipes in countries using the metric system may specify food amounts in hectograms.
  • A small loaf of bread usually weighs about 500 grams, which is five hectograms, showing practical daily use.
  • Weight scales often include hectograms, especially when measuring lighter items.

Geography

  • Countries that use the metric system, like France and Germany, commonly use hectograms.
  • In Olympic weightlifting, measurements can be expressed in hectograms to classify lifts.
  • In environmental studies, scientists may measure the weight of samples in hectograms for practical fieldwork.

History

  • The metric system was officially adopted in France during the French Revolution in 1795, promoting standardized measurements.
  • Hectograms are part of the International System of Units (SI), introduced to ensure global consistency in measurements.
  • The use of hectograms helped synchronize trade practices as countries moved toward more standardized metric measurements.

Origin of 'hectogram'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'hecto' comes from the Greek word 'hekaton', meaning one hundred.
  • The term 'gram' comes from the Latin word 'gramma', which means a small weight.
  • The combination of the two reflects the metric system’s emphasis on simplicity and base-10 calculations.

The term 'hectogram' is derived from the prefix 'hecto-', which comes from the Greek word 'hekaton' meaning 'hundred', combined with 'gram', from the Greek 'gramma', meaning 'something written' or 'a small weight'. The prefix was adopted into the metric system in the late 18th century, promoting a standardized approach to measurements. The hectogram serves as a convenient intermediate size between the gram and the kilogram, reflecting the decimal structures of the metric system. Its use became more prevalent with the rise of modern science and the expansion of trade during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in Europe, where the metric system was widely adopted.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,859, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.