cgs system
1
6.5
- noun
- /siː dʒiː ɛs ˈsɪstəm/
- Archaic
- The cgs system was widely used in physics before the adoption of SI units.
Examples
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Today, the International System of Units has mostly replaced the cgs system in most fields.
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The cgs system is widely used in physics.
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Many scientific papers from the early 20th century use the cgs system for their measurements.
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Many scientists prefer the cgs system for its simplicity.
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In physics classes, students often learn about the cgs system, which uses centimeters, grams, and seconds for measurements.
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The cgs system is commonly used in scientific experiments that require precise measurement of small quantities.
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When calculating the density of an object, many scientists prefer the cgs system for its simplicity in using metric units.
Synonyms
1
8.6
A system of units using centimeters, grams, and seconds in older science
Surface Forms
Morphology
The term is fully compositional: 'cgs' names the measurement units (centimeters, grams, seconds) and 'system' denotes an ordered set, so the overall meaning 'a measurement system based on cm, g, and s' is directly derivable from the parts. Although it's technical vocabulary, a B1 learner who knows the constituent 'cgs' definition and 'system' would readily understand the MWE.
Etymology
Cgs system comes from its three small units: centimeters, grams, and seconds, which early scientists used to measure short lengths, small masses, and time in experiments. That's why cgs system means 'a system of measurement' used in science today.