Mille

/ˈmɪli/ noun

Definition

A unit of measurement equal to one-thousandth of an inch, or more generally, the number one thousand.

Etymology

From Latin 'mille' meaning 'thousand,' which appears in English through military, technical, and French contexts. Used in measurements since the 1800s in manufacturing.

Kelly Says

Latin 'mille' (thousand) gave us 'millimeter,' 'millennium,' 'million,' and even 'milligram'—one of the most productive words in English science and measurement. The Romans were obsessed with big numbers, and it stuck around!

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