The spelling of the word "Kilogramme" is a common source of confusion for many people. The correct spelling, however, is simply "Kilogram". The extra "me" at the end of the word is a remnant of the old British spelling, which has since been dropped in favor of the more phonetic spelling. The correct pronunciation of this word is /ˈkɪləɡræm/, with emphasis on the second syllable. Overall, it's important to remember that spelling and pronunciation can change over time, so it's always good to stay current with updates in language usage.
A kilogramme, commonly abbreviated as kg, is the fundamental unit of mass within the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the base unit of mass from which other units, such as grams and tonnes, are derived. The kilogramme is equal to 1000 grams (g) or one million milligrams (mg), making it a relatively large unit of mass.
Historically, the kilogramme was defined as the mass of a specific platinum-iridium alloy cylinder kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sèvres, France. However, this physical object posed both practical and conceptual limitations, leading to the revision of its definition.
In May 2019, the kilogramme was redefined in terms of a fundamental constant known as the Planck constant (h). The new definition ties the kilogramme to a fixed value of the Planck constant, providing a more stable and reproducible measurement standard. This redefinition ensures that different measurements of mass can be accurately compared across different laboratories and regions.
Due to its widespread usage and importance in both scientific and everyday contexts, the kilogramme serves as a fundamental reference point for quantifying and measuring the mass of objects. It is extensively used in areas such as physics, engineering, industry, trade, and everyday life for tasks ranging from weighing ingredients in cooking to measuring the mass of celestial bodies.
A French weight of 1000 grammes, and equal to 2.2046 lb. avoirdupois.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "kilogramme" has a French origin. It is derived from two French words: "kilo" and "gramme".
The term "kilo" comes from the Greek word "khī́lioi", meaning "thousand". It was first used in France during the late 18th century, when the metric system was being developed. The French scientists and mathematicians wanted to establish a decimal-based system of measurement, and they introduced the "kilo" as a unit for 1000.
The word "gramme" comes from the French word "gramme", which itself originated from the Latin word "gramma" meaning "small weight". The term "gramme" was defined as the mass of one cubic centimeter of pure water at its maximum density.