centimeters definition
The centimeter (abbreviation, cm) is a unit of displacement (distance or length) in the cgs (centimeter/gram/second) system of units. The cm is equivalent to 0.01 meter, and there are about 2.54 centimeters in one linear inch. In the metric system, power-of-10 prefix multipliers facilitate the derivation of other, often more convenient, distance units from the centimeter. One meter (m) is equal to 100 cm, one millimeter (mm) is equal to 0.1 cm, and one kilometer (km) is equal to 100,000 (105) cm. These units are found in nonscientific as well as scientific literature. Smaller units are the realm of the scientist and engineer.