Definition

1. Noun:
   • A metric unit of length equal to ten meters: A "decametre" is a standard unit of measurement in the metric system, representing a length of exactly ten meters. It is primarily used in scientific, surveying, or technical contexts where larger metric units are convenient.

Usage

• The word "decametre" is a specific, countable noun used to express linear measurement.
• It is typically used in written, technical, or academic English rather than in everyday conversation, where "ten meters" is more common.
• It can be abbreviated as "dam".

Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was approximately two decametres in length. (The field was about twenty meters long.)
  • The new road will extend for several decametres beyond the old bridge.
  • In the survey, they measured the plot in decametres for simplicity.

Advanced Usage

• "Square decametre": A unit of area equal to the area of a square with sides of one decametre (100 square meters). This is sometimes used in land measurement.
  • The small garden plot had an area of just half a square decametre.
• "Cubic decametre": A unit of volume equal to the volume of a cube with sides of one decametre (1,000 cubic meters).
  • The reservoir's capacity was measured in cubic decametres.

Variants and Related Words

• Decameter: The American English spelling of "decametre".
• Decametric: (Adjective) Relating to or measured in decametres.
  • The decametric measurements were crucial for the engineering plan.
• Hectometre: A metric unit of length equal to one hundred meters (10 decametres).
• Kilometre: A metric unit of length equal to one thousand meters (100 decametres).

Synonyms

• Ten meters: The direct descriptive equivalent.
• Dekametre: A less common alternative spelling.

Notes on Meaning

• The "deca-" prefix (from Greek , meaning 'ten') indicates a factor of ten. Therefore, a decametre is ten meters, just as a decalitre is ten litres.
• This unit is part of the standard metric (SI) system of prefixes but is not among the most frequently used units in daily life.

Noun

1. a metric unit of length equal to ten meters