gallon
[ gal-uh n ]
/ ˈgæl ən /
noun
a common unit of capacity in English-speaking countries, equal to four quarts, the U.S. standard gallon being equal to 231 cubic inches (3.7853 liters), and the British imperial gallon to 277.42 cubic inches (4.546 liters). Abbreviation: gal.
Origin of gallon
1250–1300; Middle English
galo(u)n, gallon < Old North French
galon, derivative from base of Medieval Latin
gallēta jug, bucket, of uncertain origin
Words nearby gallon
gallo,
gallo-,
gallo-romance,
gallock,
galloglass,
gallon,
gallonage,
galloon,
galloot,
gallop,
gallop rhythm
Example sentences from the Web for gallon
British Dictionary definitions for gallon
gallon
/ (ˈɡælən) /
noun
Also called: imperial gallon British
a unit of capacity equal to 277.42 cubic inches. 1 Brit gallon is equivalent to 1.20 US gallons or 4.55 litres
US
a unit of capacity equal to 231 cubic inches. 1 US gallon is equivalent to 0.83 imperial gallon or 3.79 litres
(plural)
great quantities
Word Origin for gallon
C13: from Old Northern French
galon (Old French
jalon), perhaps of Celtic origin
Medical definitions for gallon
gallon
[ găl′ən ]
n.
A unit of volume in the US Customary System, used in liquid measure, equal to 4 quarts, 231 cubic inches, or 8.3389 pounds of distilled water (3.7853 liters).
Scientific definitions for gallon
gallon
[ găl′ən ]
A unit of liquid volume or capacity in the US Customary System equal to 4 quarts (3.79 liters). See Table at measurement.