giga-

views updated Jun 27 2018

giga- (symbol: G) A prefix indicating a multiple of one billion, 109, as in gigahertz and gigavolt. When the binary number system is used in a structure or process (as in semiconductor RAM or ROM) the prefix then indicates a multiple of 230, i.e. 1 073 741 824,

as in gigabyte and gigabit. The context usually clarifies which meaning is intended, although, being quite close numerically, the meanings are often considered more or less equivalent.

giga-

views updated May 29 2018

giga- • comb. form used in units of measurement: 1. denoting a factor of 109: gigahertz.2. Comput. denoting a factor of 230.

giga-

views updated Jun 11 2018

giga- (pronounced ‘jigga’) From the Greek gigas meaning ‘giant’, a prefix (symbol G) attached to SI units, meaning the unit × 109 (e.g. 2 Gm = 2 gigametres = 2 × 109 m).

giga-

views updated May 08 2018

giga- from the Greek gigas meaning ‘giant’, a prefix (symbol G) attached to SI units, meaning the unit ×109 (e.g. 2Gm = 2 gigametres = 2 ×109m).

giga-

views updated Jun 27 2018

giga- Symbol G. A prefix used in the metric system to denote one thousand million times. For example, 109 joules = 1 gigajoule (GJ).

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