Word
kilogram
Phoneticskilo·gram
US/ˈkɪɫəˌɡɹæm/
UK/kˈɪləɡɹˌæm/
UK spelling · kilogramme
Definition
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.
Examples
“I bought a kilogram of apples at the market.”
“The recipe requires exactly one kilogram of flour to ensure the bread has the correct texture.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Often abbreviated as 'kg' in both technical and everyday writing.
Pitfall
two kilogram of sugar
two kilograms of sugar
When used as a noun to indicate quantity, it must be pluralized if the number is greater than one.
Etymology
Borrowed from French kilogramme. By surface analysis, kilo- + gram.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.