Gigahertz
/ˈɡɪɡəˌhɜːrts/noun
A unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz.
Did you know?Hertz is named for Heinrich Hertz, the physicist who proved electromagnetic waves existed, so every time you say gigahertz, you’re invoking a scientist’s name on a scale of a billion.
Etymological Timeline
1960s
International System
gigahertz
“A metric unit of frequency equal to 10^9 hertz, formed with the SI prefix giga- plus hertz.”
1890s
English
hertz
“A unit of frequency named for the German physicist Heinrich Hertz.”
1800s
German
Hertz
“A surname derived from the given name Hermann or a related short form, ultimately from Germanic roots meaning 'deer' or 'hart' in some family-name formations.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
khrusos
“Not applicable to this word; the giga- element is from Greek and means 'giant'.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
gigas
“A giant.”
Modern English
English
giga-
“A metric prefix denoting one billion.”