Decimella

Decimella is a term that has appeared in certain mathematical thought experiments and in speculative fiction as a hypothetical fractional unit derived from the deci- prefix. It is not part of any formal measurement system and has no universally accepted definition.

Definition and interpretations: In commonly cited uses, a decimella denotes 0.01 of a base unit, effectively one hundredth, though with no official standard other meanings have been proposed. Some authors treat decimella as the smallest practical step in base-10 simulations, a limit approaching but not reaching standard units in a given model.

Etymology and notation: The name combines deci-, meaning one tenth, with the diminutive suffix -ella, implying a small unit. Because there is no standard, symbols and conventions vary between works.

Uses and reception: The term is typically encountered in pedagogical demonstrations about fractional scales or in worldbuilding for science fiction settings to emphasize precision limits. It has limited uptake in formal science and is mostly used informally.

See also: decimal, deci- prefix, fractional units, thought experiment.