NM Technology -What is it?-

Every day i do more reading about the new CPU's or GPU's and i always read about the new 45nm technology or something. I know CPUz tells me that my Phenom 2 940 has 45nm technology, but what does that mean? Does anyone know a simple way to explain or an article that explains it, i tried googling it but didn't have much luck because i dont know what NM stands for, if anything.

It means nanometer. It's one billionth of a meter, and is the common way of describing the physical size of the individual components in the CPU/GPU.

Ahh okay, makes alot more sense now, because thats always true with newer cards, faster, smaller, and less energy, thanks alot guys!