The symbol for temperature values on this scale is ° C. Because the term centigrade was also the Spanish and French language name for a unit of angular measurement ( 1\/10 ,000 of a right angle ) and had a similar connotation in other languages , the term centesimal degree was used when very precise , unambiguous language was required by international standards bodies such as the BIPM .
Because the name `` centigrade '' was also the Spanish and French language name for a unit of angular measurement ( one-hundredth of a right angle ) and had a similar meaning in other languages , the term `` centesimal degree '' was used when very precise , clear language was required for international communication , such as by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures ( BIPM ) .