Thousandth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thousandth

[หˆฮธaสŠ.zษ™ndฮธ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

ordinal number

The term 'thousandth' refers to the position of something in a sequence, specifically as the number that comes after nine hundred ninety-ninth and before thousand and first. It represents one part of a whole that is divided into a thousand equal parts. In mathematics and statistics, 'thousandth' can also refer to a specific fraction or decimal, often used to describe measurements or ranks. It is often utilized in contexts such as finance, measurements, and rankings.

Synonyms

1/1000, one-thousandth, thousand-part.

Examples of usage

  • He finished in the thousandth place in the marathon.
  • The population increased by a thousandth of a percent this year.
  • The product is only fifty thousandths of an inch thick.
Context #2 | Noun

fractional part

As a noun, 'thousandth' denotes one part of a total that is divided into a thousand segments. This form is commonly used in various disciplines, including science, engineering, and daily calculations. In contexts such as decimal places, it represents the third digit after the decimal point, indicating precision or specificity in measurements.

Synonyms

1/1000th, part of a thousand.

Examples of usage

  • A thousandth of an inch is used in manufacturing.
  • He won a thousandth of the total prize money.
  • The device can measure temperature to the nearest thousandth.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In decimal form, the thousandth is represented as 0.001, showing it is very small compared to whole numbers.
  • In terms of fractions, a thousandth can be written as 1/1000, illustrating how many parts are in one whole.
  • In measurements, knowing thousandths can help in precise calculations, especially in science or engineering.

Science

  • In scientific research, measurements are often recorded with millimeters or micrometers, which can relate back to thousandths.
  • In chemistry, a concentration of a solution might be expressed in parts per thousand (ppt), showing its relevance in precise science.
  • Thousandths play a role in statistics, where percentages can be further divided into smaller units for clarity.

Pop Culture

  • You might hear the term thousandth used in competitions or records, such as a thousandth of a second in racing or sports timing.
  • In music, a thousandth of a beat can significantly alter the rhythm or feel of a song, leading to creative interpretations.
  • Anniversary celebrations often mark thousandth milestones, signifying a special achievement or the size of an event.

History

  • The concept of counting and divisions dates back to ancient civilizations, where the need to quantify possessions and resources grew.
  • Trade routes established during the Silk Road era led to the need for precise calculations, paving the way for using thousandths in commerce.
  • In literature, numbers like thousandth have appeared traditionally in tales, symbolizing abundance or eternity.

Origin of 'thousandth'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'รพลซsend,' which means 'thousand' and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
  • Adding the suffix '-th' indicates its ordinal nature, describing position or order.
  • The use of thousandths can be traced back to early trading systems, where dividing goods into smaller units was crucial for trade.

The word 'thousandth' is derived from the Old English 'รพusend,' which means 'a thousand.' This term has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*thusundaz,' as well as in the Proto-Indo-European '*dezสฐom,' which refers to the concept of grouping or counting to a specific number. The suffix '-th' signifies the ordinal form, indicating a position within a series. The usage of 'thousandth' has been prevalent since the late Middle Ages, particularly in mathematical contexts. As numerical systems evolved, so did the application of fractional terms, making 'thousandth' common in discussions around measurements, rankings, and statistics. The growing complexity of trades and sciences contributed to the formalization of such terms, facilitating clearer communication of quantities and positions in various fields.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,525, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.