Final answer:
The prefix centi- signifies 1/100th of a basic unit in the metric system, for instance, one centimeter is 1/100th of a meter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prefix centi- denotes a fraction of a basic unit in the metric system. Specifically, it indicates 1/100th of a base unit. For instance, when we refer to 1 centimeter (cm), what we're actually saying is that it is 1/100th of a meter. In the world of the metric system, it's crucial to understand these prefixes since they are used to make conversions between units much simpler. As each prefix corresponds to a power of ten, it allows for easy multiplication or division when converting one unit to another.
For example, if we have a metric ruler, we could easily see that there are 100 centimeters in 1 meter, with each centimeter being subdivided into 10 millimeters. It's interesting to note that prefixes like milli- mean 1/1000th of the base unit, whereas a kilo- prefix would mean 1000 times the base unit. Knowing these relationships is essential for measurements and conversions in many fields, including science and engineering.