[ 'kɪləˌmi:tə , kɪ'lɒmɪtə ]
( US kilometer ) (abbrev.: km )
■ noun a metric unit of length equal to 1,000 metres (approximately 0.62 miles).
Derivatives
kilometric adjective
Origin
C18: from Fr. kilomètre (see kilo- , metre 1 ).
Usage
There are two possible pronunciations for ~ : one with the stress on the ki- and the other with the stress on the -lo- . The first is traditionally considered the correct one, while the second is still regarded as incorrect by some people, especially in British English.