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Nanometre

UK //ˈnæ.nəʊˌmiː.tə// US //ˈnæn.əˌmiː.tɚ// Pronunciation

Definition

A unit of length equal to one billionth of a meter.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A unit of measurement equal to one billionth of a meter.

Examples

• The width of a human hair is about 80,000 to 100,000 nanometres.
• Nanometres are crucial in the field of nanotechnology.
• Light waves have wavelengths in the range of hundreds of nanometres.
• Some particles, such as viruses, can be in the range of tens to hundreds of nanometres.

Usage notes

Used mainly in scientific contexts, especially in physics and chemistry. Not commonly used in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'nano' as tiny; visualize something very small, like a single atom.

Collocations

• measured in nanometres
• nanometre scale
• nanometre technology

Synonyms

• nm
• nanometer
• billionth of a meter

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'micrometer' (micrometre is larger than nanometre).
• Spelling mistakes, often written as 'nanometer' in American English.
• Misunderstanding its application in everyday contexts—it's very small.