Definition

1. Noun:
   • A metric unit of capacity: A liter is a unit of volume in the metric system, defined as the volume occupied by one kilogram of pure water at its maximum density and under standard atmospheric pressure. It is now officially defined as exactly 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³).

Usage

• The liter is used to measure the capacity or volume of liquids and some dry goods.
• It is a common unit for beverages, fuel, and cooking ingredients in countries using the metric system.
• The standard symbol for liter is L or l.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: In scientific measurements, the liter is often used alongside cubic meters (1 m³ = 1,000 L). Precise chemical solutions may be measured in milliliters (mL), where 1,000 mL = 1 L.
• Economic Context: Products like soda, gasoline, and wine are commonly sold by the liter in many parts of the world.

Variants and Related Words

• Milliliter (mL) (noun): A unit of volume equal to one-thousandth of a liter.
  • The medicine dosage is 5 milliliters.
• Centiliter (cL) (noun): A unit of volume equal to one-hundredth of a liter.
• Kiloliter (kL) (noun): A unit of volume equal to one thousand liters.

Synonyms

• Cubic decimeter: A term used in scientific contexts, as 1 liter is exactly equal to 1 cubic decimeter (dm³).

Notes on Spelling and Meaning

• Spelling Variant: The word is spelled litre in British English and other Commonwealth countries, but pronounced the same.
• Different Meaning: The word "liter" is only a unit of measurement. It is not to be confused with litter (rubbish) or literature.

Noun

1. a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)