Kilometre: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'kilometre' comes from the French 'kilomètre', 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.

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 world’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.

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.

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