Definition

Referring to something that is smaller than one millimeter in size.

Example

The researchers used submillimeter technology to measure tiny particles.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new telescope they built at the observatory?

Yeah, I heard it can see objects even smaller than submillimeter size!

That's amazing! I can't believe technology has advanced that much.

Right? It's incredible what we can discover with such submillimeter details.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Submillimeter → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "millimeter" (from Latin "mille" meaning thousand and "metrum" meaning measure). The word refers to a measurement that is below one millimeter.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'under' ('sub-') a 'thousandth of a meter' ('millimeter') — that's what submillimeter means.

Visually Confused Words