noun
decimetre
DES-uh-mee-tur
Decimetre (noun) means a metric unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter, written dm. Example: “The seedling had grown to about two decimeters in height.”
noun
1
technical A metric unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter, written dm.
"The seedling had grown to about two decimeters in height."
"A decimeter is ten centimeters long."
"The tile measured just over a decimeter on each side."
How to use decimetre
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA unit of length that equals one tenth of a meter.
When to use it
It is a technical term used mostly in science and measurement.
Common pairings
square decimeter
cubic decimeter
a decimeter long
a few decimeters
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Etymology
English borrowed the word from French décimètre. It can also be analyzed as the prefix deci- joined to meter.
Rhymes for decimetre
See all rhymes for decimetre →Frequently asked questions
How long is a decimetre?
A decimetre is one tenth of a meter, which is 10 to the power of minus 1 meters. Its symbol is dm.
Is decimetre or decimeter the correct spelling?
Both are correct. Decimeter is the American spelling and decimetre is the spelling used in British English.
What is the symbol for decimetre?
The symbol is dm.
What is the meaning of decimetre?
"decimetre" (noun) means a metric unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter, written dm.
