A period of 100 years is called a century.
Understanding a Century
The term "century" is derived from the Latin word centum, which means one hundred. A century is a fundamental unit for measuring long periods of time and is commonly used in historical and chronological contexts.
Key Characteristics of a Century
- Duration: A century spans exactly 100 years.
- Subdivisions: A century is divided into 10 decades.
- Historical Significance: Centuries are frequently used to organize and discuss historical events, eras, and periods.
- Numerical Representation: Centuries are typically numbered ordinally, for example, the 21st century.
Practical Examples of Century Usage
- We often refer to the "19th century" when talking about the period from 1801 to 1900.
- The "20th century" encompasses the years 1901 to 2000.
- Currently, we are living in the "21st century," which began in 2001.
Table Summary
| Term | Duration | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Century | 100 years | Latin (centum) |
| Decade | 10 years | Greek (deka) |
The provided reference confirms that a century is a period of 100 years, making it the direct answer to the question.
