The prefix "kilo-" is derived from the Greek word "chilioi," meaning "thousand." It is commonly used in the metric system to denote a factor of one thousand. For example, one kilometer (km) is equal to 1,000 meters, and one kilogram (kg) is equal to 1,000 grams. This prefix helps simplify measurements and calculations in various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life. In addition to its use in the metric system, "kilo-" appears in various contexts, such as in computing, where a kilobyte (KB) represents 1,024 bytes. Understanding the "kilo-" prefix is essential for interpreting measurements accurately, whether in distance, weight, or data storage.