A standard metric measure of mass used extensively in chemistry, medicine and nutritional labeling. It represents one thousandth of a gram or one millionth of a kilogram. Precision laboratory scales routinely measure in milligrams to dose active pharmaceutical ingredients or assess trace compounds.
Heard on the job
The scale is drifting, so re-calibrate it before you weigh that next milligram of powder.
Insider tip
In medical dosage, always double-check the abbreviation mg against mcg, as mixing up a milligram and a microgram causes a thousand-fold dosing error.
Also heard as
- mg