Definition

A very large number that is equal to one followed by 36 zeros.

Example

In the universe, there are estimated to be more than a sextillion stars.

Conversation

Did you know a sextillion is a huge number?

Yeah, it's mind-boggling how big that is!

I can't even imagine counting to a sextillion.

Me neither! It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sextillion → It is formed from "sex" (from Latin *sex*, meaning six) and "-illion" (a suffix used in large number names, derived from *million*). The word "sextillion" refers to a number that is six groups of three zeros after a thousand, or 10^21 in the short scale.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin word for six, 'sex', to remember that a sextillion is a number with six sets of three zeros.

Visually Confused Words