Plain English Meaning
A measurement of how fast something cycles or repeats, where one kilohertz means one thousand cycles every second.
Full Definition
A unit of frequency equal to one thousand cycles per second (1,000 Hz). Used to express the frequency of electrical signals, radio waves, and oscillations, particularly in the lower and medium radio frequency bands.
Context Anchor
Seen in avionics information, electrical system descriptions, radio equipment data, and maintenance test procedures when a frequency is given.
Derivation
From 'kilo-' (Greek 'chilioi', meaning thousand) plus 'hertz', named after German physicist Heinrich Hertz, who first proved the existence of radio waves in the 1880s. So kilohertz literally means 'a thousand Hertz' — a thousand cycles per second.