Liter
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Definition
A metric unit of volume equal to one cubic decimeter (1 dm³ = 1,000 cm³ = 1,000 mL), approximately 0.264 US gallons or 1.057 US liquid quarts.
Explanation
The liter was redefined in 1964 as exactly 1 cubic decimeter after a brief period (1901–1964) when it was defined as the volume of 1 kg of water at maximum density. One liter of water has a mass of almost exactly 1 kilogram (0.999975 kg at 4°C). A standard water bottle is 500 mL (half a liter); a car fuel tank holds roughly 40–60 liters. The milliliter (mL) equals exactly 1 cubic centimeter (cc or cm³).
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