Nonillion

Nonillion refers to a very large number, specifically 1 followed by 30 zeros, or 10^30. It is part of the short scale system of number naming, where each new name represents a factor of one million (10^6) more than the previous name. In this system, a nonillion is a million decillions, or a billion novennonillions.

The term "nonillion" originates from the Latin prefix "nona" meaning nine, combined with "illion," indicating a large number. This naming convention follows a pattern: million (10^6), billion (10^9), trillion (10^12), and so on, with each subsequent named number adding three zeros or a factor of a thousand until "nonillion." However, in the short scale, each named number after sextillion (10^21) represents a factor of a million, not a thousand. Thus, septillion is 10^24, octillion is 10^27, and nonillion is 10^30.

Nonillion is an exceedingly large number rarely encountered in everyday life or even in most scientific contexts. Its primary use is in theoretical discussions or to illustrate the vastness of numbers. For instance, if one were to consider the number of atoms in a large astronomical object, nonillion might appear, though more precise scientific notation is generally preferred. It is also sometimes used in fictional contexts to represent immense quantities. In contrast, the long scale system, used historically in some European countries, defines a nonillion differently, as 10^54. However, the short scale is now the predominant system used in most English-speaking countries and in scientific literature globally.