Centennium

/sɛnˈtɛniəm/ noun

Definition

A period of exactly 100 years, or the anniversary of an event occurring 100 years after its original date.

Etymology

From Latin 'centennium,' derived from 'centum' (hundred) + '-ennium' (a span of years). Parallel to 'biennium' (2 years), 'triennium' (3 years), and 'millennium' (1000 years).

Kelly Says

Scientists studying long-term climate and geological patterns prefer 'centennium' over casual language because it's unambiguous—when you say 'century,' people might think 99 years, 100 years, or the 1900s all at once.

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