Definition

1. Noun:
   • A metric unit of capacity: A litre is a standard unit for measuring volume in the metric system. It is defined as the volume of one cubic decimetre (dm³), which is equal to 1,000 cubic centimetres (cm³) or 0.001 cubic metres (m³).
   • Historical definition: Formerly, it was defined as the volume occupied by one kilogram of pure water at its maximum density (approximately 4°C) under standard atmospheric pressure.

Usage

The word "litre" is used to quantify the capacity or volume of liquids and gases. It is a standard unit in science, commerce, and daily life in countries using the metric system. - It is commonly abbreviated as l or sometimes L. - It is used with both singular and plural forms (e.g., one litre, five litres).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Litre-atmosphere": A non-SI unit of work or energy, approximately equal to 101.325 joules, representing the work done by one litre of gas at one atmosphere of pressure.
• "Litre per 100 kilometres" (L/100 km): A common metric measurement for the fuel consumption of vehicles, indicating how many litres of fuel are used to travel 100 kilometres.

Variants and Related Words

• Liter (noun): The American English spelling of "litre". The definition is identical.
  • The engine displacement is 2.0 liters.
• Millilitre (noun): A subunit of a litre, equal to one-thousandth of a litre (0.001 L). Abbreviated as ml or mL.
  • The medicine dosage is 10 millilitres.
• Kilolitre (noun): A unit equal to one thousand litres (1,000 L).
  • The water storage tank holds 50 kilolitres.

Synonyms

• Cubic decimetre (dm³): The formal SI definition of a litre's volume. This term is used in precise scientific and engineering contexts.
  • The box has a volume of one cubic decimetre.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Litre bottle: A bottle designed to hold one litre of liquid.
  • He drank a whole litre bottle of water.
• Half-litre: A quantity equal to 500 millilitres or 0.5 litres.
  • She ordered a half-litre of beer.

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)