litre Definition

litre
liter
noun litres

1a. In the metric system: the basic unit of volume, equal to one cubic decimetre (10000 cubic centimetres) or about 1.76 pints;
1b. From 1901 to 1964, this was defined as the volume of a kilogram of distilled water at 4°C at standard atmospheric pressure.
2. Signifying the capacity of the cylinders of a motor vehicle engine.

Example: a three-litre engine

Etymology: 18c: suggested by litron an obsolete French measure of capacity, from Greek litra pound.