Definition

A unit of measurement in the metric system that is equal to one-tenth of a meter.

Example

The length of the table is about two decimeters.

Conversation

Do you know how long a decimeter is?

Yeah, it's one-tenth of a meter, right?

Exactly! I was trying to measure something and got confused.

No worries, it's a bit tricky sometimes with all the metric units.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decimeter → It is formed from "deci-" (meaning one-tenth) and "meter" (from Greek "metron", meaning measure). The word "decimeter" refers to a unit of length that is one-tenth of a meter.

Memory Tip

Think of 'deci-' meaning one-tenth and 'meter' meaning measure — a decimeter is a measure that is one-tenth of a meter.

Visually Confused Words