Kilo-

Origin

From French, kilo- irregularly derived from χίλιοι (chilioi ) "one thousand". The "correct" form would be chili-, resulting in forms such as chiliasm. But the French, when creating the prefix had to avoid a possible (standard) pronunciation of chi as IPA: /ʃi/, too close to the vulgar verb chier.

Prefix

1. In the International System of Units and other metric systems of units, multiplying the unit to which it is attached by 1,000. Symbol: k
2. (computing) Multiplying the unit to which it is attached by 2

Usage notes

The usage of kilo as a 1024x multiplier in computing is considered obsolete.http://www1.bipm.org/utils/common/pdf/si_brochure_8.pdf#page=127 See kibi-.

Synonyms

• chilia-

Antonyms

• milli-

Related terms

• kilo
• kilobase
• kilogram, kilogramme
• kilolitre, kiloliter
• kilometre, kilometer