Nonillion is a numerical term that refers to the number 1 followed by 30 zeros. The spelling comprises nine letters, "n-o-n-i-l-l-i-o-n," and is pronounced as /nəˈnɪljən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "non," is pronounced as "nuhn," while the second syllable, "il," is pronounced as "il." The final syllable, "lion," is pronounced as "lyən," with a schwa sound followed by a long "ee" sound. This spelling and pronunciation make up the word nonillion, a term used in math and science to denote a vast number.
Nonillion is a mathematical term that represents a very large cardinal number. In the system of numeration, it is exactly equal to 1 followed by thirty high zeroes, or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. This colossal number is often used to express incredibly vast quantities or measurements, particularly in scientific or astronomical contexts.
Nonillion is related to the naming convention for large numbers known as the "short scale" system. This system uses the base of a thousand and assigns unique names to each power of one thousand. Nonillion itself denotes the ninth power of one thousand, with each preceding power being successively multiplied by one thousand. Nonillion is consequently preceded by octillion and followed by decillion in this system. It is worth noting that some countries, including the United Kingdom and most English-speaking nations, adopt the "long scale" system, which can have different names for certain numbers.
Due to its enormity, nonillion is an abstract concept that is often difficult to comprehend. Nonetheless, it remains useful in scientific calculations, astronomical distances, or when visualizing the sheer scale of the universe. While nonillion is seldom encountered in everyday life, it plays an integral role in academia, research, and advanced mathematics as a representation of an exceedingly immense value.
A number produced by raising a million to the ninth power; in Eng. Notation, 1 followed by 54 ciphers; in the French and Italian, 1 followed by 30 ciphers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "nonillion" is derived from the Latin prefix "non-" which means "nine" and the suffix "-illion" which is derived from the French word "illion" indicating a large, indeterminate number. Therefore, "nonillion" represents a number that is nine to the ninth power or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.