(n) a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1, 000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints), Syn. cubic decimetre, l, cubic decimeter, litre
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
{ } n. [ F. décimètre; pref. déci- tenth (fr. L. decimus) + mètre. See Meter. ] A measure of length in the metric system; one tenth of a meter, equal to 3.937 inches. [ 1913 Webster ]