The prefix "centi-" comes 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, a centimeter is one hundredth of a meter, and a centiliter is one hundredth of a liter. In scientific measurements, "centi-" helps provide a more precise scale for smaller quantities. This prefix is widely used in various fields, including mathematics, science, and everyday measurements, making it easier to understand and communicate about small dimensions or volumes.