Meaning & Definition of word "Millimeter"

Millimeter

/ˈmɪlɪˌmiːtər/

noun:

  • 1. A unit of length in the metric system equal to one-thousandth of a meter.
    • Example: The thickness of a credit card is about 0.76 millimeters.
  • 2. A unit commonly used in various fields such as engineering, construction, and medicine for precision measurements.
    • Example: The doctor measured the wound size in millimeters to assess the treatment needed.
  • 3. Used in fine detail specifications in scientific contexts.
    • Example: The diagram specified the dimensions in millimeters for accuracy.
  • 4. Also used for measuring rainfall, where one millimeter corresponds to one liter of water falling on a square meter.
    • Example: The weather report indicated that we received 20 millimeters of rain last night.
  • 5. A metric measurement often used in photography to describe focal lengths.
    • Example: The camera lens has a focal length of 50 millimeters, providing a standard perspective.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of millimeter

Meaning: Often abbreviated as 'mm' in informal contexts.

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