The prefix that means "one thousand" is "kilo-." This prefix is derived from the Greek word "chilioi," which translates to "a thousand." It is commonly used in various scientific and mathematical contexts, such as in measurements (kilometer, kilogram) and computing (kilobyte). The adoption of "kilo-" allows for the concise expression of large quantities in a standardized manner. In the International System of Units (SI), "kilo-" represents a factor of \(10^3\) or 1,000, providing clarity and uniformity in communication across different fields, from engineering to health sciences.