Deci-

France, decim 1798-1799, the First Republic

Deci- is a prefix in the metric system denoting a factor of one tenth. Derived from the Latin decimus meaning tenth, it is symbolized as 'd'. Deci- is used to denote a subunit of a basic unit in the metric system, allowing for the expression of measurements that are smaller than the basic unit but larger than those expressed by the milli- prefix (one thousandth).

Usage

The deci- prefix is commonly used in various scientific and measurement contexts. For example, a decimeter (dm) is one tenth of a meter, the basic unit of length in the metric system. Similarly, a deciliter (dL) is one tenth of a liter, the unit of volume, and a decigram (dg) is one tenth of a gram, the unit of mass.

Examples

• Decimeter (dm): A unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter. 10 decimeters make up 1 meter.
• Deciliter (dL): A unit of volume equal to one tenth of a liter. 10 deciliters make up 1 liter.
• Decigram (dg): A unit of mass equal to one tenth of a gram. 10 decigrams make up 1 gram.

Comparison with Other Prefixes

Deci- is part of a series of prefixes used in the metric system to express fractions or multiples of units. These include, among others, micro- (one millionth), milli- (one thousandth), centi- (one hundredth), and kilo- (one thousand times). The use of these prefixes facilitates the expression of measurement values in a concise and standardized manner.

Applications

The deci- prefix, while less commonly used than some other metric system prefixes, finds application in various fields such as meteorology, chemistry, and everyday measurements. For example, in some countries, rainfall is measured in decimeters to accurately capture the volume of rainwater.

See Also

• Metric system
• Prefix
• Measurement
• Unit of measurement

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