糎
centimeter, (kokuji)
Strokes15
Readings
On'yomi
—
Kun'yomi
- センチ
- センチメートル
Meaning
糎 is a Japanese-made kanji (kokuji) that specifically means centimeter. It has no other standalone meanings.
Most common words using 糎
- 糎サンチ
centimeter (esp. of cannon caliber, etc.)
Study
Etymology
糎 is a kokuji created in Japan by combining 米 (meter) with 厘 (rin, a small unit), to represent centimeter. The exact historical development is uncertain beyond this compound origin.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 米 stands for meter, and the right side 厘 suggests a tiny fraction. Together they make a centimeter: a tiny meter.
Reading mnemonic
For センチ, picture a tiny centimeter ruler made of rice (米) that you use to measure a centipede: centi -> センチ.