MICROGRAM Meaning and
Definition
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A microgram (μg) is a unit of measurement commonly used in the field of science and medicine to express extremely small amounts of mass or weight. It is equal to one millionth (1/1,000,000) of a gram, and is denoted by the symbol μg. The prefix "micro-" signifies a factor of 10^-6, indicating that a microgram is one millionth of a gram.
In practical terms, a microgram is an exceptionally minuscule unit of measurement, equivalent to 0.000001 grams. Because it represents such a small quantity, it is often employed to measure substances or chemicals that are present in trace amounts or in low concentrations.
Micrograms are frequently used when analyzing and quantifying substances in laboratories, such as pharmaceutical drugs, toxic compounds, or impurities in various samples. They enable scientists and researchers to precisely determine the quantities of substances, even at extremely low levels. This level of sensitivity is crucial in ensuring accuracy, particularly in fields such as medical diagnostics and environmental science.
To put the size of a microgram into perspective, it is approximately equivalent to the weight of a particle of fine dust or a grain of sand. However, it is important to note that this unit of measurement should not be confused with other similar-sounding terms like milligram (mg) or nanogram (ng). A microgram is a valuable unit for quantifying minuscule quantities, making it an indispensable asset in the scientific community.
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The millionth part of a gram, equivalent to about 1/68000 grain.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MICROGRAM
Etymology of MICROGRAM
The word "microgram" is derived from a combination of two Greek roots: "micro-" and "gramma".
The prefix "micro-" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning "small" or "tiny", and it is often used to indicate a factor of one millionth (1/1,000,000).
The second part of the word, "gramma", comes from the Greek word "gramma", which means "something written" or "letter of the alphabet". In this context, it refers to "gram", which is a unit of weight in the metric system.
Therefore, when combined, "microgram" means a unit of weight that is one millionth of a gram.
Similar spelling words for MICROGRAM
- microspore,
- microsorium,
- microscopic,
- microsomal,
- microgramma,
- microcosmic,
- microscope,
- microcosm,
- microgauss,
- microsome,
- micro-cook,
- microgramma-piloselloides,
- Microgramme,
- microstomus,
- microglia,
- microseism,
- microgerm,
- microscopy,
- microscopium,
- microsporum.
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