centimeter

centimeter sĕnˈtĭmēˌtər [key], abbr. cm, unit of length equal to 0.01 meter, the basic unit of length in the metric system. The centimeter is the unit of length in the cgs system. It is approximately equal to 0.39 inch, or 1 inch equals about 2.54 centimeters. See weights and measures.

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