Liter
/ˈliːtər/noun
A unit of volume equal to one cubic decimeter, used especially for liquids.
Did you know?The liter was introduced in revolutionary France as part of the metric system, and its name was built from a Greek-derived scientific tradition rather than from any old word for liquid.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
GRK
λίτρα (litra)
“A specific ancient weight or measure, especially for grain or silver”
Late Latin
LAT
litra
“A unit of measure adopted from Greek usage”
French
FR
litre
“A metric unit of volume”
1790s
French
litre
“Standardized as part of the metric system”
Modern English
EN
liter
“A unit of volume equal to one cubic decimeter”
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