rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygramMetric unit of mass
noun

gram

GRAM/ɡræm/

A unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.

The tiny weight on the balance weighs exactly one gram.

Small laboratory balance reading 1 g with a tiny standard weight on pan.
Etymology
gramGreeksmall weight; alphabet letter

Greek gramma meant an alphabet letter but also had a specialized meaning, “small weight.” This weight sense supplied the name for the metric unit now equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.

In context

Business Insider11:41
It takes nearly 45 kg of these snails to produce a single gram of pure Tyrion purple extract.
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More examples

  • The recipe calls for 200 grams of flour.
  • Each serving contains six grams of protein.
  • The parcel was just a few grams over the weight limit.

Forms

gram · grams

Similar words

kilogram
Equals 1,000 grams; useful for measuring heavier objects.
milligram
Equals one thousandth of a gram; useful for tiny amounts.
ounce
A nonmetric unit equal to about 28.35 grams.