liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər 

variants or litre

: a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter see Metric System Table

Examples of liter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Splotchy teeth patterns have occurred with higher levels of fluoride, prompting the U.S. government to lower its recommendations from 1.2 milligrams per liter of water in 2015. —Aleccia Washington, Twin Cities, 15 Nov. 2024

Although the Public Health Service recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter for community water systems, the EPA, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, sets enforceable standards for drinking water quality. —Samantha Putterman, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Nov. 2024

Fluoride was measured at 8 milligrams per liter in the groundwater of some villages in China, while some Canadian waters contain levels of less than 0.05 milligrams per liter, according to a World Health Organization report. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024

By the end of the 1800’s Pernod was producing ten million liters annually. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French litre, from Medieval Latin litra, a measure, from Greek, a weight

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

liter

noun

li·​ter

variants or litre

ˈlēt-ər

: a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter see metric system

Medical Definition

liter

noun

li·​ter

variants or chiefly British litre

ˈlēt-ər 

: a metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of one kilogram of water at 4°C (39°F) and at standard atmospheric pressure of 760 millimeters of mercury