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Kilometre Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kilometre

[หˆkษชlษ™miหtษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

unit of measurement

A kilometre is a metric unit of length equal to 1000 meters. It is commonly used to measure distances in many countries around the world.

Synonyms

km.

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Word Description / Examples
kilometre

Primarily used in writing to refer to a unit of measurement equal to 1,000 meters. It is often seen in scientific, official, or formal documents.

  • The race is 10 kilometres long.
  • The distance between the two towns is approximately 15 kilometres.
km

Often used in informal writing, text messages, or places where space is limited, such as maps or signs. It is an abbreviation of 'kilometre'.

  • The closest gas station is 5 km away.
  • The marathon covers a distance of 42 km.

Examples of usage

  • The park is located just a few kilometres away from the city center.
  • She ran 5 kilometres every morning as part of her training routine.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, a kilometre is often used to describe distances in geographical studies and astronomy, such as the distance between celestial bodies.
  • The speed of light is about 300,000 kilometres per second, making it a critical measure in understanding cosmic distances.
  • Many national parks and nature trails are marked in kilometres to help visitors understand the distance they need to walk or hike.

Culture

  • Many marathon races are measured in kilometres, with the standard distance being 42.195 kilometres.
  • Countries that adopt the metric system typically use kilometres for road signs, making distance navigation easier.
  • In some sporting events, like cycling and running, distances are often announced in kilometres for international consistency.

Geography

  • The worldโ€™s longest river, the Nile, is approximately 6,650 kilometres long, illustrating the vast distances measured in this unit.
  • Countries like Canada, Australia, and most European nations use kilometres for travel distances, showcasing global metric adoption.
  • Maps often showcase scale in kilometres, aiding travelers in estimating real-world distances between locations.

Technology

  • GPS devices frequently use kilometres to indicate distances while providing navigation directions.
  • Digital mapping services, such as Google Maps, convert distances into kilometres for practical user formatting.
  • In telecommunications, distances between towers and signal strength are often calculated in kilometres to optimize coverage.

Origin of 'kilometre'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'kilometre' comes from the French 'kilomรจtre', which derives from the Greek word 'chilioi' meaning 'a thousand' and 'metron' meaning 'measure'.
  • It was first used in the late 18th century during the French Revolution to standardize measurements.
  • Kilometre is primarily used in countries that follow the metric system, adopted for its simplicity.

The word 'kilometre' originated from the French word 'kilomรจtre', which was first used in the late 18th century. The prefix 'kilo-' means 'thousand' in Greek, and 'metre' refers to the unit of length. The kilometre became a standard unit of measurement in the metric system and is widely used worldwide.

See also: centimetre, millimetre.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,598, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.