Millimetre Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Science

• In scientific contexts, a millimeter is often used to measure small objects, like the thickness of a hair or the diameter of cells.
• Microscopes often use millimeters to define the size of specimens, underscoring its importance in biology and material sciences.
• In engineering, precise measurements in millimeters can be crucial for the fit and function of machine parts.

Everyday Life

• A standard paper clip is usually about 1 millimeter thick, giving a relatable visual for its size.
• Millimeters are often used in recipes to specify dimensions for cake layers or pastry thickness.
• Many consumer products, like smartphones, are advertised with their dimensions in millimeters to highlight slimness and size.

Global Usage

• The metric system, including millimeters, is used widely around the world, with the United States being one of the few countries still using imperial units predominantly.
• Millimeters facilitate easier calculations and conversions in engineering and scientific fields due to their decimal-based system.
• International standard regulations often require measurements to be recorded in millimeters for clarity and consistency.

Technology

• In 3D printing, precision is key; millimeters are crucial for creating detailed models and prototypes.
• Millimeters are frequently used in medical imaging to describe the resolution of images, determining how clear the scans are.
• Tech specifications, like camera sensors, often use millimeter measurements for focal lengths, influencing photography.

Main points about word origin

• The term comes from the metric system, where 'milli-' means one-thousandth, and 'metre' is the base unit for length.
• It was first defined in France during the late 18th century as part of the revolutionary metric system.
• The structure of the word reflects its mathematical meaning, combining prefixes and root words from Latin and Greek origins.

The word 'millimetre' originated from the French word 'millimètre', which was formed from the Latin 'milli-' (thousand) and 'metrum' (measure). The concept of using millimetres as a unit of measurement dates back to the early metric system developed in France in the 1790s.

See also: centimetre, kilometre.

Positioned at #23,679, 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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