What does the term "centi" refer to?

The term "centi" is a Latin prefix that signifies one hundredth. This means that when you see "centi" associated with a metric unit, it indicates dividing that unit into one hundred equal parts. For example, one centimeter (cm) is one hundredth of a meter. Understanding this prefix is important in scientific and mathematical contexts, as it helps in comprehending measurements and conversions within the metric system. The metric system is built on a decimal-based structure, making it easier to use and understand numeric relationships among different units.