nano-

nano-: pref.  [SI the next quantifier below {micro-};
   meaning * 10^(-9)] Smaller than {micro-}, and used in
   the same rather loose and connotative way.  Thus, one has
   {{nanotechnology}} (coined by hacker K. Eric Drexler) by analogy
   with `microtechnology'; and a few machine architectures have a
   `nanocode' level below `microcode'.  Tom Duff at Bell Labs has
   also pointed out that "Pi seconds is a nanocentury".
   See also {{quantifiers}}, {pico-}, {nanoacre}, {nanobot},
   {nanocomputer}, {nanofortnight}.