peta-

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a combining form used in the names of units of measure equal to one quadrillion (1015) of a given base unit: petabyte.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of peta-

Origin uncertain

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use peta- in a sentence

You may be forgiven for reading that sign and assuming that PETA suggests milk causes autism.
Twisted Anti-Vaxxer Parents Choose Fatal Diseases Over Autism|Elizabeth Picciuto|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He tells me about the absurdity of the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States, and PETA.
Should Tony the Truck Stop Tiger Go Free?|Melissa Leon|June 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As recently reported by The Daily Beast, PETA has launched a campaign that tries to link milk consumption and autism.
PETA Needs to STFU About Autism and Dairy|Russell Saunders|June 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It seems that PETA was unhappy to have had its revamped campaign debunked.
PETA Needs to STFU About Autism and Dairy|Russell Saunders|June 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

PETA, whose headquarters are based in Detroit, is encouraging people to donate their goods.
Cara Delevingne Tops 2013 Google Searches; PETA Distributes Fur Coats|The Fashion Beast Team|December 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The golden-hued peta was found beside the myriad-flowering oleander, while the undergrowth was braided with cacti and aloes.
Due South or Cuba Past and Present|Maturin M. Ballou
Simon Peta was de first bishop of Rome, but de Lord had on old worn-out clothes, and was sot upon an oxen, and eat moldy bread.
To and Through Nebraska|Frances I. Sims Fulton
Now two men lived at Avikwame, Hatpa-'aqwaoθtše, their father's older brother, and Nume-peta.
Seven Mohave Myths|A. L. Kroeber
Then Pukehane sent for people to come for his brother who was about to die; he sent for Nume-peta at Avikwame.
Seven Mohave Myths|A. L. Kroeber
A son of Peta-la-sha-ra and head chief of the Chowee band; also a leader in the councils.
Descriptive Catalogue of Photographs of North American Indians|W. H. Jackson

British Dictionary definitions for peta- (1 of 2)

Peta

abbreviation for

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

British Dictionary definitions for peta- (2 of 2)

peta-

prefix

denoting 10 15petametres Symbol: P

Word Origin for peta-

C20: so named because it is the SI prefix after tera-; on the model of penta-, the prefix after tetra-

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for peta-

peta-

A prefix that means:

One quadrillion (1015), as in petahertz, one quadrillion hertz.

250 (that is, 1,125,899,906,842,624), which is the power of two closest to a quadrillion, as in petabyte.