L - Dictionary Definition and Overview

L :  adj : being ten more than forty [syn: fifty, 50] (noun)
1: a metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of 1 kilogram of pure water at 4 degrees centigrade and 760 mm of mercury (or approximately 1.76 pints) [syn: liter, litre, cubic decimeter, cubic decimetre]
2: the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five [syn: fifty, 50, L]
3: a cgs unit of illumination equal to the brightness of a perfectly diffusing surface that emits or reflects one lumen per square centimeter [syn: lambert, L]
4: the 12th letter of the Roman alphabet [syn: L]

Based on WordNet 2.0

L : \L\ ([e^]l), n. 1. An extension at right angles to the length of a main building, giving to the ground plan a form resembling the letter L; sometimes less properly applied to a narrower, or lower, extension in the direction of the length of the main building; a wing. [Written also ell.]

2. (Mech.) A short right-angled pipe fitting, used in connecting two pipes at right angles. [Written also ell.]

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

L : \L\ ([e^]l). 1. L is the twelfth letter of the English alphabet, and a vocal consonant. It is usually called a semivowel or liquid. Its form and value are from the Greek, through the Latin, the form of the Greek letter being from the Ph[oe]nician, and the ultimate origin prob. Egyptian. Etymologically, it is most closely related to r and u; as in pilgrim, peregrine, couch (fr. collocare), aubura (fr. LL. alburnus).

Note: At the end of monosyllables containing a single vowel, it is often doubled, as in fall, full, bell; but not after digraphs, as in foul, fool, prowl, growl, foal. In English words, the terminating syllable le is unaccented, the e is silent, and l is preceded by a voice glide, as in able, eagle, pronounced [=a]"b'l, ?"g'l. See Guide to Pronunciation, [sect] 241.

2. As a numeral, L stands for fifty in the English, as in the Latin language.

For 50 the Romans used the Chalcidian chi, ?, which assumed the less difficult lapidary type, ?, and was then easily assimilated to L. --I. Taylor (The Alphabet).

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

L : \L\, a. 1. Having the general shape of the (capital) letter L; as, an L beam, or L-beam.

2. Elevated; -- a symbol for el. as an abbreviation of elevated in elevated road or railroad. -- n. An elevated road; as, to ride on the L. [Colloq., U. S.]

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

l- l-: Abbreviation for levorotatory, applied to a chemical compound, as in l-dopa. Levorotary is opposed to dextrorotary which is abbreviated as d-. Based on the Latin laevus, on the left-hand side.

Based on University of Miami School of Medicine [Medical_Dictionary]:

L :  L: Abbreviation for 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 can also be written as a lower-case "l". The word "liter" derives from the French "litre" and that, in turn, is derived from the Latin "litra", a pound.

Based on University of Miami School of Medicine [Medical_Dictionary]:

Example Usage of L

scarlett_0hara: RT @EurekaMama: #teaparty : Next missions : Scott Brown 4 Senate in Mass. (Jan 19) Steve Hunt 4 State Senate in VA-37 (Jan 12) L#tcot #ucot
ronniBabyy: L O V E that song ! RT @j_ave baby girL u kno my sitaution - fab
xRaynaxo: Wow. I have terribLe eye sight. :L
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