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Trillion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trillion

[ˈtrɪljən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

large number

A trillion is a number represented by one followed by twelve zeros, denoting a quantity that is extremely large.

Synonyms

a million million, a thousand billion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trillion

Repeated entry of the word 'trillion', might confuse, the usage above is sufficient.
a million million

Typically used in very formal or technical contexts, like scientific articles or mathematics. It may not be as easily understood by a general audience due to its less common usage.

  • A million million stars in the galaxy are hard to comprehend.
  • Calculations show that the universe could contain a million million galaxies.
a thousand billion

Often used to make the concept of a trillion more relatable by breaking it down into a more graspable figure for those less familiar with large numbers. This term is useful in educational or explanatory settings.

  • A thousand billion dollars is easier to imagine than a trillion.
  • The new project is expected to generate revenues up to a thousand billion dollars.

Examples of usage

  • The national debt has surpassed a trillion dollars.
  • The company's market value is over a trillion dollars.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In the short scale system, used mainly in the United States, a trillion equals 10^12 or 1,000,000,000,000.
  • In the long scale system, which was used in parts of Europe, a trillion used to represent a number equal to a million million, but this is less common today.

Economics

  • As of recent years, national debts of several countries, including the U.S., often reach into the trillions, leading to discussions about fiscal policy and economic stability.
  • The term 'trillion-dollar economy' refers to nations where annual economic output surpasses a trillion, indicating significant economic activity.

Pop Culture

  • In the world of technology, companies are often valued in the trillions, with firms like Apple and Microsoft leading the way, reshaping our understanding of wealth.
  • Movies like 'The Big Short' illustrate financial concepts that can involve trillions, making complex economic ideas relatable to everyday audiences.

Science

  • Astronomically, the number of stars in our galaxy is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions, but when considering the universe, estimates extend into trillions.
  • In environmental science, trillions of microorganisms play vital roles in ecosystems, showcasing the small-scale yet enormous impact of life.

Origin of 'trillion'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'trillion' originated from the French word 'trillion,' which combines 'tri-' (meaning three) and 'illion' (used in big numbers).
  • It was first documented in English in the 18th century, highlighting its recent addition to numerical vocabulary compared to older terms.

The word 'trillion' originated from the French word 'trillion', which in turn came from the combination of 'tri-' (meaning 'three') and '-illion' (a suffix denoting a large number). The use of the word 'trillion' to represent a number with twelve zeros first appeared in the 17th century.

See also: trill.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,774, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.