decameter

Decameter (symbol dam) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to ten meters. It is formed from the SI prefix deca- (symbol da) combined with the base unit meter (m), yielding dam. Consequently, 1 dam = 10 m = 0.01 km. Conversely, 1 m = 0.1 dam and 100 dam = 1 kilometer. In terms of feet or other units, 1 dam is approximately 32.808 feet.

Usage and context: The decameter is a valid SI unit, but it is rarely used in everyday practice. Most measurements of length use meters for small scales or kilometers for longer scales. The decameter is sometimes encountered in historical documents, surveying, or specific scientific contexts where a slightly larger unit than the meter is convenient, but it has been largely superseded by the meter and kilometer in modern discussions.