Deci
/ˈdɛs.i/noun
A metric prefix denoting one-tenth, or a factor of 10⁻¹.
Did you know?The metric prefix deci- was introduced during the French metric reforms of the 1790s, when revolutionary thinkers sought a universal measurement system based on powers of ten.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*déḱm̥
“Ten”
Ancient Latin
Latin
decem
“Ten”
Classical Latin
Latin
decimus
“Tenth; the tenth in order”
1790s
French
déci-
“A metric prefix meaning one-tenth”
1795
French
déci-
“Officially used in the developing metric system for 10⁻¹”
Modern English
English
deci-
“A prefix denoting one-tenth”