millimetre
Meaning: A metric unit of length equal to one thousandth of a metre, used extensively in engineering, manufacturing, and scientific measurement where precision is required.
The millimetre is the preferred unit of length in many technical and engineering contexts because it avoids the decimal points that arise when using metres or centimetres. It is standard in construction drawings, machining tolerances, and rainfall measurements. British weather reports give precipitation in millimetres, and medical imaging often reports dimensions in this unit.
Examples
- The engineering drawings specified tolerances of plus or minus half a millimetre for each machined component. 工程图纸规定每个机加工部件的公差为正负半毫米。Los planos de ingeniería especificaban tolerancias de más o menos medio milímetro para cada componente mecanizado.工学図面では、各機械加工部品の公差がプラスマイナス0.5ミリメートルと指定されていた。공학 도면에서 각 기계 가공 부품의 공차는 플러스마이너스 0.5밀리미터로 지정되어 있었다.
- Rainfall across England and Wales totalled 120 millimetres in October, well above the seasonal average. 十月份英格兰和威尔士的降雨量共计120毫米,远高于季节平均值。Las precipitaciones en Inglaterra y Gales totalizaron 120 milímetros en octubre, muy por encima de la media estacional.10月のイングランドとウェールズの降水量は合計120ミリメートルで、季節平均を大きく上回った。10월 잉글랜드와 웨일스의 총 강수량은 120밀리미터로 계절 평균을 크게 웃돌았다.
- The crack in the containment wall had widened to three millimetres, prompting an immediate inspection. 防护墙上的裂缝已扩大到三毫米,促使进行了立即检查。La grieta en el muro de contención se había ensanchado hasta los tres milímetros, lo que motivó una inspección inmediata.格納壁の亀裂は3ミリメートルに広がり、即座に検査が行われた。격납벽의 균열이 3밀리미터로 확대되어 즉각적인 점검이 시행되었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: scientific, professional, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From French millimètre, combining Latin mille (thousand) with Greek metron (measure). Entered English alongside the metric system in the late 18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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