Chilogrammo

/ˌkɪloʊˈɡræmo/ noun

Definition

A unit of mass equal to one thousand grams; equivalent to the kilogram, particularly used in Italian and Spanish scientific contexts.

Etymology

From Italian or Spanish 'chilo-' (from Greek 'chilioi,' meaning 'thousand') combined with 'grammo' (Italian for 'gram,' from Greek 'gramma,' meaning 'small weight'). This is a variant naming for the metric unit kilogram, reflecting different language traditions in scientific nomenclature.

Kelly Says

Different countries developed their own scientific terminology before the metric system was globally standardized, so you've got 'kilogram' in English but 'chilogrammo' in Italian! It's a reminder that science isn't universal—the languages we speak shape how we measure the world.

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