deci-

American  

1. a combining form meaning “tenth,” used in words denoting units of the metric system (deciliter ); on this model, extended to other systems (decibel ).

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deci- British  

prefix

1.  d.  denoting one tenth; 10 ^–1

   decimetre

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deci– Scientific  

1. A prefix that means “one tenth,” as in deciliter, one tenth of a liter.

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Usage

What does deci- mean? Deci- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “tenth.” It is most often used to denote units of the metric system.Deci- comes from the Latin decimus, meaning “tenth.” The word decimate, meaning "to destroy a great number or proportion of" comes from this same Latin root. Find out how at our entry for decimate.A similar word from Greek, déka, meaning “ten,” gives us the combining forms dec-, deca-, and deci-. Want to know more? Check out our Words That Use articles for all three forms.Despite the similarity between the two forms, it’s important not to confuse deci-, which means “tenth,” with deca-, meaning “ten.” A decigram is one-tenth of a gram (0.1 g), but a decagram is ten grams (10 g).

Etymology

Origin of deci-

< French déci- < Latin decimus tenth

Example Sentences

Ben Deci, a spokesman for the state Department of Consumer Affairs, said there’s no record of any enforcement actions taken against Atinger, which can mean his nose is clean or that no one ever filed an official complaint against him.

From Los Angeles Times

“If a consumer thinks they’ve been the victim of fraudulent pricing, or illegal collection practices, we urge them to file a complaint,” Deci said.

From Los Angeles Times

For the rest of us, follow Deci’s advice.

From Los Angeles Times

“Consumers should get a quote beforehand,” Deci said.

From Los Angeles Times

Deci said the agency received 85 complaints about locksmiths in the most recent fiscal year.

From Los Angeles Times