Kilogram
/ˈkɪl.ə.ɡræm/noun
A unit of mass equal to 1,000 grams.
Did you know?The first part, kilo-, comes from Greek khilioi meaning “a thousand,” while gram ultimately traces back to Greek gramma, a “small written mark” that later became a weight unit.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
khilioi
“a thousand”
Ancient Greek
Greek
gramma
“something written; a small written mark, later a small weight”
Late Latin
Latin
gramma
“a small unit of weight”
18th Century
French
kilogramme
“a unit of mass equal to one thousand grams”
Modern English
English
kilogram
“a unit of mass equal to 1,000 grams”