A centimeter (cm) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-hundredth of a meter. It is commonly used to measure shorter distances, such as the height of a person or the dimensions of an object. The metric system is widely used around the world, making centimeters a standard unit in many fields, including science and engineering. Centimeters are often used in everyday situations, such as measuring furniture or clothing sizes. For example, a typical adult height might be around 170 cm, while a standard piece of paper measures 21 cm in width. Understanding centimeters helps in making accurate measurements in various activities.