nano-
/næn.əʊ-/ (bre, ipa) · /næn.oʊ-/ (ame, ipa)
nano- — prefix
1. added to the front of a unit of measurement (such as meter, second, or gram) to
added to the front of a unit of measurement (such as meter, second, or gram) to mean one billionth of that unit — for example, a nanometer is one billionth of a meter.
The sensor can detect movement in under a nanosecond, making it incredibly fast.
collocation: nanosecond — one billionth of a second
Marta weighed exactly one nanogram of the powder using a special laboratory scale.
collocation: nanogram — one billionth of a gram
A nanometer is roughly the width of a single strand of human DNA.
A nanoliter of liquid is far too small to see without a microscope.
The spacecraft antenna requires a signal timed with nanosecond precision.
- giga-
means one billion (10⁹) of the unit — the opposite scale
文法句型
nano- + [unit of measurement]
用法筆記
This sense attaches only to standard scientific units of measurement. The resulting word names a quantity one billionth of that unit.
常見錯誤
2. added to nouns to describe something that is extremely small — often, but not al
added to nouns to describe something that is extremely small — often, but not always, relating to objects made or studied in modern technology at the atomic or molecular level.
Hui's research team developed nano-particles that carry medicine directly to cancer cells.
collocation: nano-particles — extremely small particles
The factory produces a nano-coating that makes fabric waterproof without changing how it feels.
Asher studied how nano-materials behave differently from larger pieces of the same substance.
Tiny nano-bubbles in the water can clean industrial waste more effectively than chemicals do.
Omar's new tablet uses a nano-SIM card that is much smaller than older versions.
- micro-
means one millionth (10⁻⁶) — larger than nano-, but also used for very small things
- macro-
means large scale — the opposite of extremely small scale
文法句型
nano- + [noun]
常見錯誤
nano- — combining form
1. a combining form used in formal scientific writing, attached to specialised unit
a combining form used in formal scientific writing, attached to specialised units to mean exactly one billionth (10⁻⁹) of that unit — for instance, a nanoampere is 10⁻⁹ of an ampere.
A nanoampere is one billionth of an ampere, used to measure extremely tiny electric currents.
scientific prefix: nanoampere
Felipe measured the weak electric signal in nanoamperes because the current was barely detectable.
The capacitor's value was shown as ten nanofarads, meaning ten billionths of a farad.
Kabir calculated the spacing between the atoms and wrote the answer in nanometers.
The chemistry lab report listed concentrations in nanomolar units for the rare protein sample.
- giga-
means one billion (10⁹) of the unit — the opposite multiplier
文法句型
nano- + [specialised scientific unit]
用法筆記
Primarily appears in formal technical and academic writing. In everyday contexts, the prefix nano- (sense 1 of 'prefix') is preferred.
常見錯誤
2. added to the beginning of a word to show a connection with nanotechnology — the
added to the beginning of a word to show a connection with nanotechnology — the science of building and controlling materials at the atomic or molecular level.
Nano-engineering allows scientists to build tiny machines smaller than a single human cell.
field prefix: nano-engineering
The university launched a degree in nano-science combining physics, chemistry, and biology.
field prefix: nano-science
Amira's start-up focuses on nano-medicine, using microscopic particles to treat heart disease.
Nano-fabrication methods are used to create tiny electronic parts for medical devices.
The government put more money into nano-research to develop stronger building materials.
文法句型
nano- + [noun relating to a field or process]
常見錯誤
3. added to nouns to describe phenomena, structures, or materials that exist or ope
added to nouns to describe phenomena, structures, or materials that exist or operate at a scale of nanometers — usually between one and one hundred nanometers in size.
Nano-structures on the surface of the lotus leaf make water form into round droplets.
compound: nano-structures
Minh examined the nano-scale patterns on a butterfly wing using an electron microscope.
compound: nano-scale patterns
The scientist studied nano-porous materials, which have holes small enough to filter viruses.
Camila's research focuses on how nano-scale interactions between atoms affect the strength of metals.
Nano-roughness on a metal surface changes the way it reflects light.
- macro-scale
refers to things large enough to be seen without a microscope
文法句型
nano- + [noun]
用法筆記
Distinguish from the nanotechnology sense (combining form, sense 2): this sense describes physical dimensions and scale, not the technology field itself.