nanometer scale

USAGE SUMMARY

"nanometer scale" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a unit of measurement on a very small scale, equivalent to one billionth of a meter. Example: The scientists measured the protein's structure on a nanometer scale using an electron microscope.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

via nanometer scale flexible linkers.

Biophysical Chemistry

These proteins can self assemble on a nanometer scale.

MIT Technology Review

Nanometer scale quantum thermometry in a living cell.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Control of molecular architecture at the nanometer scale.

University of California, Berkeley

Our research focuses on quantum control of nanometer scale systems.

Princeton University

The science of synthesis of nanometer scale materials.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Nanotechnology is the construction of machines and devices on the nanometer scale--that is a millionth of a millimetre.

Science Magazine

Ultrasmall light-emitting fibers deposited on electrodes can serve as nanometer-scale light sources.

MIT Technology Review

DSC is based on molecular and nanometer-scale components.

Comprehensive Renewable Energy

Because they require techniques like drilling nanometer-scale holes in silicon, photonic crystals can be extremely difficult to fabricate.

The New York Times - Science

Also called artificial atoms, quantum dots are nanometer-scale "boxes" that selectively hold or release electrons.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical properties or phenomena, clearly specify that the measurements or effects occur at the "nanometer scale" to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The material exhibits unique optical properties at the "nanometer scale".

Common error

Avoid using the term "microscopic scale" interchangeably with "nanometer scale". While both refer to small dimensions, the "nanometer scale" is far more specific and significantly smaller than what is typically observed with standard microscopes. Stating a phenomenon occurs on the "nanometer scale" implies specialized techniques are required for observation or manipulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nanometer scale" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to specify that something exists or operates at a dimension of one billionth of a meter. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nanometer scale" is a scientifically accurate and commonly used term to define measurements at one billionth of a meter. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. Primarily found in scientific and academic contexts, as shown by the provided examples from sources like Nature and MIT, it serves the function of providing precise information about size. While alternative phrases exist, such as "nanoscale dimension" or "molecular scale", "nanometer scale" is the most direct and unambiguous way to convey this specific measurement. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the scale being discussed to avoid confusion, differentiating it from broader terms like "microscopic scale".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nanoscale dimension

Focuses on dimension as opposed to scale, implying a specific measurement.

nanoscopic level

Highlights the level of observation or manipulation, rather than just the size.

at the atomic level

Implies the smallest possible scale, even smaller than nanometer scale.

molecular scale

References a scale based on molecules, a very close alternative.

sub-nanometer resolution

Focuses on the resolution achieved, rather than the scale itself.

at a billionth of a meter

Offers a literal definition of the scale, rather than a named scale.

ultrafine scale

Describes a very small scale without specifying the exact measurement.

microscopic scale

Indicates a scale that requires a microscope, though broader than nanometer.

small-scale

Very general alternative that suggests something is small, but lacks precision.

miniature scale

Suggests a reduced version of something but isn't specific to scientific measurement.

FAQs

How is "nanometer scale" used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "nanometer scale" is used to specify that observations, measurements, or manipulations are occurring at dimensions of one billionth of a meter. It's commonly used in materials science, nanotechnology, and biophysics to describe the size of structures or phenomena being studied.

What is the difference between "nanometer scale" and nanoscale?

"Nanometer scale" refers specifically to dimensions measured in nanometers. "Nanoscale" is a broader term encompassing anything that involves structures or phenomena within the 1 to 100 nanometer range.

How does the "nanometer scale" compare to the microscale?

The "nanometer scale" is much smaller than the microscale. A nanometer is one-thousandth of a micrometer. Therefore, processes occurring on the "nanometer scale" involve much finer structures and often require more advanced techniques to observe and manipulate than those on the microscale.

What are some alternative ways to describe structures or phenomena on the "nanometer scale"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "nanoscopic level", "molecular scale", or "at the atomic level" to describe structures or phenomena on the "nanometer scale".