Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Kilocalorie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
Add to dictionary

kilocalorie

[หŒkษชlษ™หˆkรฆlษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

energy measurement

A kilocalorie is a unit of energy measurement equal to 1,000 calories. It is commonly used to quantify the amount of energy provided by food and the energy expenditure of physical activities.

Synonyms

calorie, energy unit, kcal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
kilocalorie

Used in scientific contexts, nutritional information, or academic writing to precisely measure energy. It is synonymous with 'calorie' in common parlance but more specific.

  • A standard chocolate bar may contain around 200 kilocalories.
  • Scientists measured the energy output in kilocalories.
kcal

Short form written on food and nutritional labels. It is the same as kilocalorie, used in specific contexts where brevity is essential.

  • This cereal package states it contains 150 kcal per serving.
  • Athletes monitor their daily kcal intake closely.
calorie

Commonly used in everyday conversation, dieting, and food labeling. It refers to the amount of energy a food item provides.

  • This sandwich has 300 calories.
  • Counting calories is a popular method for weight loss.
energy unit

Used in scientific and technical contexts to refer to units that measure energy, not limited to food energy.

  • The battery's energy unit is measured in joules, not kilocalories.
  • Different energy units are used depending on the system being measured.

Examples of usage

  • The nutrition label on the cereal box shows that one serving contains 120 kilocalories.
  • To burn off the kilocalories consumed during the meal, she decided to go for a run in the park.
  • The recommended daily intake for an average adult is around 2,000 kilocalories.
  • Weight loss is often achieved by creating a calorie deficit, with a focus on reducing kilocalorie intake.
  • Understanding the kilocalorie content of different foods can help in making healthier dietary choices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health & Nutrition

  • The average adult needs about 2,000 to 2,500 kilocalories a day to maintain their energy levels.
  • A single slice of pizza can contain approximately 250 to 300 kilocalories, depending on the toppings and size.

Science

  • Kilocalories are often used in dietary contexts, but they also relate to physics when discussing energy transfers.
  • Understanding kilocalories is crucial for studying metabolism, which is how our bodies turn food into energy.

Culture

  • In fitness, tracking kilocalories burned during exercise helps individuals manage their health and weight.
  • Caloric intake and expenditure play major roles in various dietary trends and wellness movements throughout history.

Technology

  • Fitness apps and smart devices often calculate kilocalorie usage to help users monitor and achieve their health goals.
  • Food industry innovations have led to more precise measurements of kilocalories in packaged goods, aiding consumers in making informed choices.

Origin of 'kilocalorie'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'kilocalorie' combines 'kilo-', which means a thousand, and 'calorie', which comes from the Latin word 'calor', meaning heat.
  • It was first introduced in the early 19th century as scientists began to study energy and its effects on living things.

The term 'kilocalorie' originates from the scientific understanding of energy and heat. It is based on the concept of the calorie, which was originally defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. As the study of nutrition and energy expenditure evolved, the kilocalorie became a widely used unit for measuring the energy content of food and the energy expenditure of human activities.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,409, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.