Millimeter

/ˈmɪlɪˌmiːtər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A unit of length in the metric system equal to one-thousandth of a meter.

The thickness of a credit card is about 0.76 millimeters.

A unit commonly used in various fields such as engineering, construction, and medicine for precision measurements.

The doctor measured the wound size in millimeters to assess the treatment needed.

Used in fine detail specifications in scientific contexts.

The diagram specified the dimensions in millimeters for accuracy.

Also used for measuring rainfall, where one millimeter corresponds to one liter of water falling on a square meter.

The weather report indicated that we received 20 millimeters of rain last night.

A metric measurement often used in photography to describe focal lengths.

The camera lens has a focal length of 50 millimeters, providing a standard perspective.

From the French 'millimètre', combining 'milli-' meaning 'one thousandth' and 'mètre' meaning 'meter'.

millimeter wave

A band of electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters.

millimeter scale

A scale marked in millimeters, commonly used in measuring devices.

centimeter

A unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter.

meter

The base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1000 millimeters.

Often abbreviated as 'mm' in informal contexts.

The recipe calls for 5 mm of salt, but I just eye-balled it.