What does the metric prefix "hecto-" represent?

The metric prefix "hecto-" represents a factor of 100. In the metric system, prefixes are used to indicate different orders of magnitude. Specifically, "hecto-" is derived from the Greek word for hundred, which is reflected in its place in the metric hierarchy. For instance, a hectometer is equivalent to 100 meters, and a hectoliter corresponds to 100 liters. Understanding these prefixes is essential when working with measurements, as they provide clarity and help convert between different scales.