Definition

A very large number that is equal to 1 followed by 100 zeros, often used in mathematics to illustrate the concept of large quantities.

Example

The number of atoms in the observable universe is estimated to be around a googol.

Conversation

Did you know that a googol is a real number?

Yeah! It's 10 raised to the power of 100, right?

Exactly! It’s such a huge number, it’s hard to even imagine.

I know! It's mind-blowing how big that is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'googol' was coined by mathematician Edward Kasner in the early 20th century, and it is derived from a playful term created by his nine-year-old nephew, Milton Sirotta. It represents the number 10 raised to the power of 100, or 1 followed by 100 zeros. The term does not have roots in Latin, Greek, Old English, or Old French, but rather originates from a whimsical invention in American English, meaning an extremely large number.

Memory Tip

Imagine a number so large that it has 100 zeros after it — that's what 'googol' represents, a playful way to express an enormous quantity.

Visually Confused Words