Definition of Liter

Liter: A metric measure of capacity that, by definition, is equal to the volume of a kilogram of water at 4 degrees centigrade and at standard atmospheric pressure of 760 millimeters of mercury.

• Metric equivalents -- There are 1000 cubic centimeters or 1 cubic decimeter in 1 liter.
• U.S. equivalent -- A liter is a little more than a quart (1.057 U.S. liquid quarts).

The abbreviation for liter is L or l. The word "liter" derives from the French "litre" and that, in turn, is derived from the Latin "litra", a pound.