Definition

A measure of frequency that equals one billion cycles per second.

Example

The processor operates at a speed of 3 gigahertz, making it very fast.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new computer that runs at 5 gigahertz?

Wow, that sounds super fast!

I know, right? It makes everything so much smoother.

Definitely! I can't wait to see what it can do.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gigahertz is formed from "giga-" (from Greek "gigas", meaning giant) and "hertz" (named after Heinrich Hertz, a German physicist, meaning cycles per second). The term refers to a frequency of one billion cycles per second, indicating a very high frequency, akin to something giant in scale.

Memory Tip

Think of 'giga-' meaning giant, and 'hertz' representing cycles per second. This helps you remember that gigahertz refers to a giant number of cycles happening every second.

Visually Confused Words