micrometer
micrometer Lexical Profile
micrometer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A unit of length in the International System of Units (SI) equal to one millionth of a meter.
"Human hair typically ranges from 17 to 181 micrometers in thickness."
A precision measuring instrument used by engineers and machinists to measure very small distances or thicknesses, typically incorporating a finely threaded screw.
"The machinist used a micrometer to ensure the metal shaft was manufactured to the exact required diameter."
Word Nuance & Usage
The pronunciation typically shifts depending on the meaning: as an instrument, it is stressed on the second syllable (my-CROM-ih-ter), whereas as a unit of length, it is often stressed on the first syllable (MY-cro-mee-ter).
• Rhymes for micrometer
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 17th century from French 'micromètre', derived from the Greek 'mikros' (small) and 'metron' (measure).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.