centimetre-gram-second: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is largely obsolete in mainstream science and engineering, having been replaced by the SI (Système International). However, it persists in specific subfields of theoretical physics, like electromagnetism (Gaussian units) and astrophysics.

The main difference is the base units for length and mass: CGS uses the centimetre and gram, while SI uses the metre and kilogram. This leads to different derived units (e.g., dyne vs. newton for force, erg vs. joule for energy). SI is a coherent, internationally standardized system.

CGS is the abbreviation for Centimetre-Gram-Second, referring to the system of measurement based on those three units.

It was replaced primarily for practical and standardisation reasons. The SI system (based on metre, kilogram, second, ampere, etc.) provides a more coherent and scalable framework for all physical quantities, simplifies international trade and communication, and its base units are more relevant to human and industrial scales.

A system of physical units based on the centimetre as the unit of length, the gram as the unit of mass, and the second as the unit of time, commonly abbreviated as CGS.

Centimetre-gram-second is usually technical/scientific in register.

Centimetre-gram-second: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsentɪmiːtə ɡram ˈsekənd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsentəˌmiːtər ɡræm ˈsekənd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.