Millilitre Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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millilitre

[หˆmษชlษชหŒliหtษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

measurement unit

A millilitre is a metric unit of volume that is equivalent to one-thousandth of a litre. It is commonly used in measuring liquids in various contexts, such as cooking, chemistry, and medicine. The millilitre is denoted by the symbol 'mL' and is widely utilized in both scientific and everyday settings to quantify small volumes of liquid. For example, a standard teaspoon is approximately 5 millilitres.

Synonyms

cubic centimetre, mL.

Examples of usage

  • Add 50 millilitres of water.
  • The recipe calls for 200 millilitres of milk.
  • She measured 10 millilitres of medication.
  • The bottle contains 100 millilitres of liquid.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, measurements in millilitres are crucial for solutions and mixtures, allowing precise control over chemical reactions.
  • One millilitre of water weighs approximately one gram, a useful fact for quick metric conversions in cooking.
  • The millilitre is widely used in healthcare for dosing medications, showing its importance in both precision and safety.

Pop Culture

  • In cooking shows, chefs often mention millilitres when discussing liquid ingredients, emphasizing precision in recipes.
  • Many popular beverage bottles are labeled with their volume in millilitres, such as 500 mL or 330 mL, helping consumers understand serving sizes.
  • The worldโ€™s largest beverage companies often market drinks in millilitres to cater to various consumer preferences around the globe.

Education

  • Students learn about millilitres in science classes, often using measuring tools like syringes or graduated cylinders for hands-on experience.
  • Understanding millilitres helps students grasp the concept of scaling recipes, an essential skill in both mathematics and daily life.
  • In math, converting millilitres to other units, like litres or cups, is a common exercise that reinforces fraction and ratio skills.

Everyday Life

  • Many household items like medicine syringes, liquid measuring cups, and cooking spoons use millilitres for easy measurements.
  • A standard shot of liquor is about 30 mL, commonly used in bars and restaurants, making millilitres familiar in social settings.
  • Baby formulas and nutrition labels often use millilitres to indicate proper serving sizes, helping caregivers manage feeding.

Origin of 'millilitre'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from the French 'milli' meaning 'thousand' and 'litre' meaning 'liter', together indicating a thousandth of a liter.
  • The millilitre is commonly abbreviated as 'mL', making it easy to write and use in measurements.
  • Introduced in France in the 18th century, the metric system, including the millilitre, was created to standardize measurements across different countries.

The term 'millilitre' originates from the metric system, which was developed in France during the late 18th century. The prefix 'milli-' is derived from the Latin word 'mille', which means 'thousand'. Thus, a millilitre represents one-thousandth of a litre, where the litre itself is defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water at its maximum density. The metric system was established to provide a universal standard for measurements, and the millilitre became widely adopted in many countries around the world. The use of millilitres is particularly prevalent in fields such as science, medicine, and cooking, where precise measurements of liquid volumes are essential.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,402, 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.