Madam, – The magnitude of a billion was defined about seven centuries ago as a million millions. At some stage in the US, a decision was taken that it would be used there to mean “only” a thousand millions. Currently billions are featuring in the news, all of which I have believed to be millions of millions.
It now seems, however, that the US notion has been adopted here by many correspondents – have I missed an announcement to change Ireland’s policy in this matter – or am I one of the few still using the word with its correct meaning? – Yours, etc,