The prefix "centi-" is derived from the Latin word "centum," meaning one hundred. It is commonly used in the metric system to denote a factor of one hundredth (1/100). For example, one centimeter (cm) is equal to one hundredth of a meter, which is a standard unit of length in the metric system. In addition to length, "centi-" can also be applied to other measurements, such as centiliters (cL) for volume, where one centiliter is one hundredth of a liter. This prefix helps simplify calculations and conversions in scientific and everyday contexts, making it easier to understand and communicate measurements.