KILOMETRE

Definition of KILOMETRE

KILOMETRE Noun

Kilometre is a noun that refers to a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters, commonly used in the metric system to measure distances.

A kilometre represents a distance of 1,000 meters or approximately 0.621 miles. It is a standardized unit of measurement used internationally for expressing distances, particularly in contexts such as transportation, geography, and sports.

Metric System Unit: The kilometre is one of the base units of length in the metric system, which is based on powers of ten for ease of conversion and calculation. It is abbreviated as “km” and is widely adopted in countries around the world for consistency and standardization.

Conversion and Equivalents: One kilometre is equivalent to 1,000 meters or approximately 0.621 miles. It can also be expressed in other units of length within the metric system, such as centimetres (100,000 centimetres) or millimetres (1,000,000 millimetres).

Practical Applications: Kilometres are commonly used for measuring distances in various contexts, including road signs, maps, and travel itineraries. They provide a convenient and straightforward way to represent distances, particularly for long distances where smaller units like meters or centimetres would be impractical.

International Adoption: The kilometre is widely adopted as the standard unit of measurement for distances in most countries, particularly those that use the metric system. It is used in everyday language and official documents, making it a familiar and accessible unit for people around the world.

The kilometre is a fundamental unit of measurement used to express distances in the metric system. Its simplicity, standardization, and international adoption make it an essential tool for navigation, transportation, and communication, facilitating the exchange of information and promoting consistency in measurements across different regions and cultures.

KILOMETRE or KILOMETER?

Both kilometre and kilometer are correct, depending on the variant of English being used:

  • Kilometre is the preferred spelling in British English.
  • Kilometer is the preferred spelling in American English.

Choose the spelling that aligns with the variant of English you are using.

KILOMETRE in a sentence

  • The race was a grueling 10-kilometre marathon through the mountains.
  • She commuted to work every day, driving nearly 50 kilometres each way.
  • The hotel was located just a kilometre away from the beach.
  • He set a personal record by running five kilometres in under 20 minutes.
  • The distance between the two cities was measured in kilometres.
  • They hiked for several kilometres before reaching the summit.
  • The speed limit on the highway was 100 kilometres per hour.
  • The cyclist pedaled for kilometres along the scenic countryside.

Origin of KILOMETRE

The term kilometre has its roots in Greek and French, reflecting the etymological development of the word:

  • Greek Origins:
    • The word “kilo” comes from the Greek word “khilioi,” which means “thousand.” In the metric system, “kilo-” is a prefix denoting a factor of a thousand.
  • French Influence:
    • The word “meter” has French origins, derived from the Old French word “metre,” which comes from the Latin “metrum” and the Greek “metron,” both meaning “measure.”

Combining “kilo-” and “meter,” the term kilometre was coined to represent a unit of measurement equal to one thousand meters. The adoption of the metric system, including the term kilometre, has contributed to a standardized and universally accepted system of measurement for distances.

Synonyms

  • Klicks
  • Clicks
  • Thousands of meters
  • Grand
  • K’s (informal)
  • Thousand meters
  • Long-distance
  • Extensive

Antonyms

  • Short distance
  • Limited span
  • Few meters
  • Minimal length
  • Brief stretch
  • Short-range
  • Small extent
  • Restricted distance

Related

  • Distance units
  • Length measurement
  • Extensive stretch
  • Lengthy expanse
  • Distance coverage
  • Spatial dimension
  • Extended range
  • Vast span

🌐 🇬🇧 KILOMETRE in other languages

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