kilogramme
Meaning
a unit of mass in the metric system, equal to 1,000 grams and approximately 2.205 pounds.
Structure
Usage
the package weighed just over one kilogramme.
she bought a kilogramme of apples from the market.
the new standard defines the kilogramme using a fundamental physical constant.
Etymology
the word "kilogramme" is a compound formed within the french metric system at the end of the 18th century. it combines the greek-derived prefix "kilo-", meaning "a thousand", with the french term "gramme", which itself originates from the greek gramma, a term that originally meant "something written" or "a small weight". this combination creates a perfectly logical, decimal-based unit: one thousand grams. the term was adopted into english in the early 19th century, initially often spelled with the french "-me" ending, though the simplified "kilogram" is now the more common form in modern english usage.
Analysis
kilo: from french, based on greek chilioi meaning "thousand"; a combining form denoting a factor of one thousand. gramme: from french gramme, from late latin gramma, from greek gramma meaning "small weight" or "letter"; a unit of mass.