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Milligram Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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milligram

[ˈmɪlɪˌɡræm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

measurement unit

A milligram is a metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a gram. It is used in various fields, including medicine, cooking, and science, to measure very small quantities of substances. Milligrams are particularly important in pharmacology, where precise dosages of medication must be administered. This unit is often abbreviated as mg.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed 500 milligrams of medicine.
  • Add 100 milligrams of salt to the recipe.
  • The package contains 250 milligrams of the active ingredient.
  • The scale can measure weight in milligrams.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In pharmacology, medications are often dosed in milligrams to ensure precise amounts are used for effective treatment.
  • A standard adult aspirin tablet usually contains either 81 mg or 325 mg, highlighting the significance of milligram precision in medicine.
  • In nutrition, the recommended daily intake of certain vitamins and minerals is given in milligrams, showing the importance of milligram measurements in a healthy diet.

History

  • The milligram as a unit of measure was first accepted in the metric system during the late 18th century.
  • The metric system's adoption helped standardize measurements around the world, facilitating international trade and scientific communication.

Culinary Arts

  • In cooking, milligram measurements help when using concentrated flavors like spices or extracts to avoid overpowering the dish.
  • Professional chefs often weigh ingredients in milligrams for precise recipes, especially in baking, where accuracy is crucial.

Mathematics

  • Milligrams are often used in calculations related to density and concentration, making them vital in chemistry and biology.
  • Understanding the differences between milligrams, grams, and kilograms is fundamental in conversions within the metric system.

Origin of 'milligram'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'milli-' comes from the Latin word 'mille', meaning 'one thousand'.
  • The term 'gram' originates from the Late Latin 'gramma', which refers to a small weight and is derived from the Greek 'gramma'.

The term 'milligram' originates from the French word 'milligramme', which is a combination of the prefix 'milli-' meaning one thousandth and the word 'gramme'. The prefix 'milli-' comes from the Latin 'mille', meaning thousand, while 'gramme' stems from the Late Latin 'gramma', meaning a small weight. The notion of measuring mass in grams was established in the late 18th century during the development of the metric system in France. As the metric system gained acceptance worldwide, the milligram became a standard unit for measurements requiring high precision, especially in chemistry and medicine, where small dosages are critical.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,052, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.