Definition
A metric system prefix meaning ten. When attached to a unit of measurement, it multiplies that unit by ten. The symbol is 'da'.
Plain English
A prefix that means 'ten times.' If you put it in front of a unit, you multiply that unit by ten. So one dekameter equals ten meters.
Context Anchor
Seen in metric unit names and conversion information in technical manuals, charts, or maintenance references.
Derivation
From the Greek 'deka,' meaning ten. The same root gives us words like decade (ten years) and decathlon (ten events). Knowing the root makes the prefix easy to remember.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots and mechanics may meet metric prefixes in international documents or maintenance data, and reading the prefix correctly prevents simple but important conversion mistakes.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse deca or deka with deci. Deca means times ten; deci means one-tenth.
Example Sentence 1
One dekameter is equal to ten meters.
Example Sentence 2
Technicians converted fuel quantities from dekaliters to gallons during the preflight inspection.