sexdecillion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely LowHighly technical/specialized; formal
Quick answer
What does “sexdecillion” mean?
The cardinal number equal to 10⁹⁶ in the American system and 10⁹⁰ in the British system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The cardinal number equal to 10⁹⁶ in the American system and 10⁹⁰ in the British system.
An extremely large number used primarily in theoretical mathematics, astronomy, cosmology, or as a hyperbolic expression for an unimaginably vast quantity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is numerical value. Under the long scale (traditional British/European), a sexdecillion is 10⁹⁰ (1 followed by 90 zeros). Under the short scale (modern American/international), it is 10⁹⁶ (1 followed by 96 zeros). Modern British usage increasingly adopts the short scale.
Connotations
In both variants, connotes an almost incomprehensibly vast magnitude. No regional difference in connotation.
Frequency
Vanishingly rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely in historical British mathematical texts using the long scale.
Grammar
How to Use “sexdecillion” in a Sentence
[Number] + sexdecillion + (of) + [plural noun]a/one sexdecillion + (of) + [plural noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sexdecillion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It cannot be used as a verb.
American English
- It cannot be used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- It cannot be used as an adverb.
American English
- It cannot be used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The sexdecillion figure was purely theoretical.
- He contemplated the sexdecillion possibilities.
American English
- A sexdecillion-dollar idea (hyperbolic).
- The model predicted sexdecillion particle interactions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potentially in hyperbolic jest about market size or data points: 'Our target market isn't a sexdecillion people.'
Academic
Used almost exclusively in theoretical mathematics, cosmology (e.g., estimating particles in the observable universe), or combinatorics.
Everyday
Effectively zero usage. Could appear in popular science writing for dramatic effect.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in precise mathematical notation or discussions of large-number nomenclature.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexdecillion”
- Misspelling (sexdecilion, sexdecillon). Mispronouncing the 'x' as /gz/. Confusing its value with other '-illion' numbers like novemdecillion. Using it in a non-technical context where it seems absurd.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a formally defined cardinal number in the English naming system for large numbers, though its practical application is limited to theoretical fields.
In the modern American/international (short scale) system, it has 96 zeros (10⁹⁶). In the traditional British/European (long scale) system, it has 90 zeros (10⁹⁰).
Its use is almost exclusively confined to theoretical mathematics, discussions about the nomenclature of extremely large numbers, or in popular science as a hyperbolic example of vastness.
In the standard sequence, it is followed by septendecillion (10⁵⁴ in long scale, 10¹⁰² in short scale).
The cardinal number equal to 10⁹⁶ in the American system and 10⁹⁰ in the British system.
Sexdecillion is usually highly technical/specialized; formal in register.
Sexdecillion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛksdɪˈsɪlɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛksdəˈsɪljən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not so many as to be a sexdecillion (hyperbolic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"SEX" (six, from Latin) + "DEC" (ten, from Latin) + "illion" = think of it as the sixth '-illion' after 'decillion' in the sequence, or relating to 10⁶ x 10¹⁰? Actually, it's the 16th '-illion' (sex- = six, dec- = ten). Remember: Six-ten-illion.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS SIZE/VOLUME (an unimaginably vast container), INFINITY IS A LARGE NUMBER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most critical factor determining the value of 'sexdecillion'?