kilo
kilo Lexical Profile
kilo Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An informal shortening of kilogram, a metric unit of mass equal to 1,000 grams (approximately 2.205 pounds).
"She bought two kilos of fresh apples and a bag of flour at the local market."
A code word representing the letter K, used in the NATO phonetic alphabet for clear radio and telecommunications.
"The air traffic controller spelled out the call sign using 'Kilo' for the letter K."
Australian An informal shortening of kilometer, a metric unit of distance equal to 1,000 meters.
"The nearest service station is still about twenty kilos down the highway."
Word Nuance & Usage
In everyday English, 'kilo' almost exclusively refers to a kilogram; however, in Australian and occasionally British informal speech, it is also used as a shortening of 'kilometer'.
• Rhymes for kilo
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 19th century from French kilo, a clipping of kilogramme, which derives from the Greek khilioi meaning 'thousand'.