Definition of gram

The word "gram" has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. The Latin word "gramma," meaning "small particle" or "letter," is derived from the Greek word "gramma" (γραφήμα), which referred to a letter or written symbol. In the 15th century, the term "gram" emerged in English as a unit of weight, equivalent to one-thousandth of an ounce or 0.03215 grams. This was due to the work of German physicist and mathematician Peter Apian, who defined the "gramme" as a specific weight based on the weight of a small piece of metal. Over time, the term "gram" became widely adopted as a standard unit of measurement in science, medicine, and everyday use.