Definition of "giga-" in English

prefix

1. In the International System of Units and other metric systems of units, multiplying the unit to which it is attached by 10⁹ (short scale billion or long scale milliard).

   • giga- + watt → gigawatt ("one billion watts")

2. (computing, sometimes proscribed) Multiplying the unit to which it is attached by 2³⁰ or 1,073,741,824.

3. (slang) Augmenting an adjective; intensely, extremely, or to an exceptionally high degree.

   • Wow, I am giga-jealous right now.

4. (Internet slang, originally 4chan) Used to augment nouns; denoting an invididual who is a paragon of something.

   • giga- + Chad → gigachad
   • giga- + Stacy → gigastacy