centimeter/centimetre
centimeter/centimetre
Pronunciation
centimeter/centimetre: /ˈsɛntɪˌmiːtər/
sen-: /sɛn/
/s/ - unvoiced alveolar fricative
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel
/n/ - voiced alveolar nasal
ti-: /tɪ/
/t/ - unvoiced alveolar plosive
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
me-: /miː/
/m/ - voiced bilabial nasal
/iː/ - close front unrounded vowel (long)
ter: /tər/
/t/ - unvoiced alveolar plosive
/ər/ - r-colored vowel (schwa + r-sound)
Word Form Variations
Singular: centimeter (US English), centimetre (British English)
Plural: centimeters (US English), centimetres (British English)
Abbreviation: cm (common for both singular and plural)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-hundredth of a meter. It is commonly used for measuring smaller dimensions, such as the length of an object or the height of a small plant.
Synonyms: cm, metric unit of length
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a unit of measurement, but could be considered relative to larger units) meter, kilometer, inch, foot, yard, mile
Definition 2: A measurement taken using a unit of one hundredth of a meter, often used to specify size or distance in various fields like tailoring, construction, or scientific research.
Synonyms: measurement, dimension, length
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific type of measurement)
Examples of Use
Newspapers: "The police report indicated that the suspect was approximately 175 centimeters tall, a detail that helped narrow down their search." (The Guardian)
Online Publications: "Scientists measured the coral growth, finding an average increase of 1.2 centimeters per year in the protected marine reserve." ( National Geographic Online)
Books: "He meticulously drew the blueprints, ensuring every line was precisely placed, each wall exactly 20 centimeters thick as per the engineering specifications." (Source: from a textbook on architecture, Building Design Principles)
Entertainment Mediums (Film Dialogue): In a crime drama, a character might say, "The deepest part of the wound was only a few centimeters, but it was enough to cause significant bleeding."
Entertainment Mediums (Video Game Description): A crafting recipe in a video game might read: "Requires: 1 wooden plank (at least 50 centimeters long) and 3 metal screws."
General Public Discourse (Construction/DIY): "I need a piece of wood cut to exactly 30 centimeters for this shelf."
General Public Discourse (Fashion/Tailoring): "Could you take in the waist by two centimeters? It's a bit loose."
General Public Discourse (Health/Medical Context): A doctor might tell a patient, "The tumor has shrunk by one centimeter since your last scan, which is good news."
Online Forum/Social Media (Hobbyist Group): "My new model train track is arriving next week – excited to see how it fits; it's a 90 centimeter radius curve." (Source: Reddit, Model Trains Subreddit)
Educational Materials: "Children in primary school often learn to measure using rulers marked in centimeters and millimeters."
10 Quotes Using Centimeter/Centimetre
"Every centimeter of progress counts." (Original)
"A single centimeter can be the difference between success and failure in precision engineering." (Original)
"The artist carefully measured each centimeter of the canvas before applying the first stroke." (Original)
"We're fighting for every centimeter of this land." (Original)
"Even a small centimeter of displacement can lead to significant structural issues." (Original)
"He meticulously adjusted the telescope by a fraction of a centimeter to achieve the perfect focus." (Original)
"To understand the microscopic world, one must appreciate the significance of a single centimeter." (Original)
"The tailor adjusted the hem by a precise centimeter, ensuring a flawless fit." (Original)
"In the world of high-speed racing, a centimeter can mean the difference between winning and crashing." (Original)
"The plant grew another centimeter overnight, a testament to its resilience." (Original)
Etymology
The word "centimeter" (or "centimetre" in British English) has a straightforward origin, rooted in the development of the metric system.
"Centi-": This part comes from the Latin word "centum," which means "hundred." You can see this same root in words like "century" (100 years) or "percent" (per hundred). In the metric system, "centi-" acts as a prefix to mean "one hundredth" of the base unit.
"-meter": This part comes from the French word "mètre," which in turn comes from the ancient Greek word "metron," meaning "measure." This root is found in many English words related to measurement, like "thermometer" (heat measure) or "speedometer" (speed measure).
So, when you put them together, "centimeter" literally means "one hundredth of a measure" or, more specifically in its common use, "one hundredth of a meter."
The word "centimeter" first appeared as part of the metric system, which was developed in France in the late 1700s. The French Academy of Sciences introduced the metric system, and the term "centimètre" was coined in the late 1700s, with its earliest known use in English appearing around 1794. Its meaning from the very beginning has been consistent with its current definition: a unit of length equal to one-hundredth of a meter. This was part of a broader effort to create a standardized, decimal-based system of weights and measures.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Centimeter/Centimetre
Every centimeter counts: Emphasizes that even small increments or improvements are significant.
Not an inch/centimeter to spare: Meaning there is no extra space or allowance. (Using "inch" as a common idiom, with "centimeter" for similar effect).
Give an inch/centimeter and they'll take a mile/kilometer: Implies that if you give a small concession, someone will try to take a much larger one. (Using "inch" as a common idiom, with "centimeter" for similar effect).
By a centimeter: Indicating a very small margin or difference.
Inch by inch/Centimeter by centimeter: Describes gradual or slow progress.
Fight for every centimeter: To struggle intensely for even a small gain or advantage.
Cut down to the last centimeter: To reduce something to its absolute minimum size or extent.
Not move a centimeter: To remain completely still or make no progress whatsoever.
Grow by leaps and centimeters: A twist on "grow by leaps and bounds," implying significant, yet perhaps also granular, progress.
A centimeter of difference: Highlighting a very subtle or slight distinction.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of centimeter/centimetre from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
