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Definition of centi

centi

/ˈsɛn.ti/
cen · ti
Plural:centis
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centi Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A metric prefix denoting a factor of one hundredth (10^-2), used in units of measurement such as centimeter and centiliter.

Example

"In the metric system, the prefix centi indicates a division of the base unit by one hundred."

2

An informal clipping of centimeter or centiliter.

Example

"The carpenter trimmed off half a centi to make the shelf fit snugly into the alcove."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for centi

Word Nuance & Usage

In standard usage, 'centi-' functions primarily as a bound metric prefix (as in centimeter or centigram) rather than a standalone word, though it occasionally appears as a clipping for centimeter or centilitre.

• Rhymes for centi

• Nearby Words

centerline
centermost
centerpiece
centi
centigrade
centigram
centiliter

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French 'centi-', a combining form introduced in the metric system of 1793 from Latin 'centum', meaning 'one hundred'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Centi. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/centi
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