ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kilogram

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈkɪɫəˌɡɹæm// UK //kˈɪləɡɹˌæm// kilo·gram

n. the standard unit for measuring how much something weighs. One kilogram is about the same weight as a liter of water or a thick book.

n. the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1,000 grams. Originally defined by a physical prototype, it is now fixed by the Planck constant.


SIMPLE

I bought a kilogram of apples at the market.

CONTEXTUAL

The recipe requires exactly one kilogram of flour to ensure the bread has the correct texture.

COMPLEX

In scientific laboratories, mass must be measured with extreme precision, as even a fraction of a kilogram can alter the outcome of a chemical reaction.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from French kilogramme. By surface analysis, kilo- + gram.

Usage

Often abbreviated as 'kg' in both technical and everyday writing.

Pitfall

two kilogram of sugartwo kilograms of sugarWhen used as a noun to indicate quantity, it must be pluralized if the number is greater than one.

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