Centigrado

/ˌsɛn.tiˈɡrɑ.doʊ/ noun

Definition

The Spanish and Portuguese term for the Celsius temperature scale, literally meaning 'one hundred degrees.'

Etymology

From Spanish 'centi-' (one hundredth/hundred) + 'grado' (degree, from Latin 'gradus'). Spanish-speaking countries adopted this term for what English speakers call Celsius.

Kelly Says

While English-speakers call it Celsius to honor Anders Celsius, Spanish speakers call it centigrado because the scale literally spans 100 degrees between freezing and boiling water—which is actually what the measurement system is all about!

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