Pronunciation: [pɜː sˈɛntəm] (IPA) 
The phrase "per centum," meaning "per hundred," has been used for centuries as a way to express percentages. The spelling of this phrase may seem confusing due to its Latin roots. In IPA phonetic transcription, "per centum" would be pronounced /pər sɛntəm/. Despite its antiquated appearance, "per centum" is still used today in some contexts, although "percent" has become the more commonly used spelling in modern English.
Per centum is a Latin term that is commonly abbreviated as "per cent" or symbolized by the percentage symbol (%). It is used to denote a proportion or amount in terms of a fraction of 100. Per centum literally means "per hundred" in Latin, reflecting its fundamental meaning and purpose.
In mathematical and statistical contexts, per centum is utilized to express a fraction or ratio of a whole amount in relation to a hundred. It is represented as a number followed by the percentage symbol, indicating the equivalent proportion of the whole. For example, 75% represents 75 out of 100 or three-fourths (3/4) of the whole.
The term is extensively employed in various fields and disciplines, particularly in economics, finance, mathematics, sciences, and data analysis. It serves as a convenient way to represent ratios, proportions, changes, or comparisons in a relative and easily understandable manner.
Per centum is of great significance in business and financial contexts, as it allows for the representation of profits, losses, investments, interest rates, and growth rates for individuals, companies, or economies. It aids in understanding the relative value or change in value of different variables or quantities.
In summary, per centum is a Latin term used to indicate a fraction or proportion in relation to a hundred, commonly represented by the symbol "%". It facilitates easy comprehension of relative values, changes, or ratios, serving as a vital tool in multiple domains.
The word "per centum" is derived from Latin. "Per" means "by" or "for" in Latin, and "centum" means "hundred". When combined, "per centum" literally translates to "for each hundred". This phrase was used to denote a rate or proportion out of 100, which eventually evolved into the modern meaning of "percent".
