femtosecond n. 10 to the -15th power or 0.000000000000001 second, equalling a quadrillionth of a second or 0.3 light microns. Editorial Note: Commonly used in measurement of light in laser or light-related technologies. Etymological Note: Danish or Norwegian femt, from femten “fifteen” + -o. Femto was established as a standard prefix equalling 10 to the -15th power by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics in 1961. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Astronauts returning from space say they experience what’s called the overview effect, a new understanding of the fragility of our planet and our need to reflect on what humans all share as a species. A book about the end of the universe...
In 1971, when a new public library opened in Troy, Michigan, famous authors and artists were invited to write letters to the city’s youngest readers, extolling the many benefits of libraries. One of the loveliest was from E.B. White, author of...