VocabularyBasePractice words

Letters and spelling

Words with cent vocabulary list

This list brings together words built from the root cent, which can point to the number hundred or to the idea of a center, depending on the word. Use it to review root patterns, prepare for a vocabulary quiz, or notice how spelling connects words like century, percent, and central.

Practice these words ↗Take a quiz

Words with cent vocabulary list

29 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
centnounA monetary unit worth one hundredth of a dollar or other base currency unit.He found a single cent lying on the sidewalk this morning.
centurynounA period of one hundred years, especially one used to number historical eras.The cathedral was built during the twelfth century and has stood for nearly nine hundred years.
centraladjectiveLocated at or near the center, or of primary importance to something.The hotel's central location made it easy to reach every attraction.
centennialnounThe one-hundredth anniversary of an event, or a celebration marking it.The town organized a parade for the centennial of its founding.
bicentennialnounA two-hundredth anniversary, or the celebration marking it.The town organized fireworks and parades for its bicentennial celebration.
centimeternounA unit of length in the metric system equal to one hundredth of a meter.The insect measured just two centimeters from head to tail.
centigradeadjectiveRelating to a temperature scale divided into a hundred degrees between freezing and boiling water.The forecast predicted a high of thirty degrees centigrade tomorrow.
centipedenounA many-legged, flat-bodied arthropod with one pair of legs on each body segment.A centipede scurried quickly under the log when we lifted it.
centrifugenounA machine that spins samples at high speed to separate substances of different densities.The lab technician placed the blood sample in the centrifuge to separate the plasma.
centrifugaladjectiveMoving or directed away from the center, as in a rotating system.Centrifugal force pressed the passengers against the sides of the spinning ride.
epicenternounThe point on the earth's surface directly above where an earthquake begins, or the central point of something.The epicenter of the earthquake was located just off the coast near the fishing village.
concentrateverbTo focus one's full attention or effort on a single task or subject.She turned off her phone so she could concentrate on studying for the exam.
concentrationnounThe ability to focus one's attention on a single task, or the amount of a substance in a given mixture.The loud construction outside made it hard to keep her concentration while studying.
decentadjectiveSatisfactory, adequate, or of an acceptable standard; also morally proper and respectable.She earns a decent salary that covers her rent and leaves room for savings.
decentralizeverbTo distribute power, control, or functions away from a single central authority.The company decided to decentralize decision-making by giving regional managers more authority.
recentadjectiveHaving happened or begun only a short time ago.Recent rain has filled the shallow pond.
recentlyadverbNot long ago; within a short time before the present moment.We recently moved into a new apartment closer to my office.
ascentnounAn act of climbing or rising, or the route taken while climbing upward.The team's final ascent to the summit took nearly six grueling hours.
accentnounA distinctive way of pronouncing words, typically associated with a particular country, region, or social group.Her British accent stood out immediately among the group of American tourists.
accentuateverbTo make something more noticeable, prominent, or intense.The tailored jacket accentuates her shoulders without looking stiff at all.
percentnounOne part in every hundred, used to express a proportion or rate.Only ten percent of the students missed the deadline for their essays.
percentagenounA rate, number, or amount expressed as a fraction of one hundred.A small percentage of the population volunteers regularly at the local shelter.
eccentricadjectiveUnconventional or slightly strange in behavior or appearance, in a way that differs from what is expected.Her eccentric uncle collected antique clocks and refused to use electricity in his home.
eccentricitynounAn unusual or peculiar habit, trait, or way of behaving that sets someone or something apart.His habit of wearing mismatched socks was just one of his many eccentricities.
incentivenounSomething that motivates or encourages a person to act in a particular way, often a reward.The company offered a cash incentive to employees who referred qualified new hires.
concentricadjectiveDescribing circles or shapes that share the same center point but have different sizes.The archery target was painted with concentric circles in red, blue, and gold.
centaurnounA mythical creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse.The ancient vase depicted a centaur battling a group of warriors.
centurionnounAn officer in the ancient Roman army who commanded a unit of about a hundred soldiers.The centurion led his troops through the narrow mountain pass at dawn.
centerpiecenounThe most important or attractive item, especially one placed at the center of a table or plan.A tall floral arrangement served as the centerpiece for the wedding table.

Why does cent sometimes mean hundred and sometimes mean center?

English inherited cent from two different Latin roots that happen to look alike. Centum meant hundred, giving us century, percent, and centimeter, while centrum meant center, giving us central, epicenter, and concentrate. Because both roots produced the same spelling, a word like centennial, which marks a hundred-year anniversary, sits in the same family as centerpiece, which has nothing to do with counting at all.

Frequently asked questions

Do all cent words relate to the number hundred?

No, some cent words come from a root meaning hundred, like century and percent, while others come from a root meaning center, like central and concentrate.