[citation needed] Many other users, particularly in countries where SI (the metric system) is not widely used, use the second pronunciation with stress on the second syllable.

[2][3] The second pronunciation follows the stress pattern used for the names of measuring instruments (such as micrometer, barometer, thermometer, tachometer, and speedometer).

However, the Australian prime minister at the time, Gough Whitlam, insisted that the second pronunciation was the correct one because of the Greek origins of the two parts of the word.

The term "myriamètre" appeared a number of times in the text of Develey's book Physique d'Emile: ou, Principes de la science de la nature,[7] (published in 1802), while the term kilometre only appeared in an appendix.

French maps published in 1835 had scales showing myriametres and "lieues de Poste" (Postal leagues of about 4288 metres).