Gallon

Definition

Gallon is a unit of volume typically used to measure liquid or gas substances.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡælən/
• Respelling: GAL-uhn (with "GAL" as in "gal" and "uhn" as in "button")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡælən/
• Respelling: GAL-uhn (with "GAL" as in "gal" and "uhn" as in "button")

In both dialects, "gallon" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "GAL." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "GAL-uhn."

Etymology

The term "gallon" originates from the Old Northern French word "galon", which in turn was derived from the Late Latin word "gallōna". The exact origin of the term is uncertain but it's believed to have been used to describe a liquid capacity.

Derivatives

• Gallonage (noun)
• Gallonful (noun)
• Gallonize (verb, rare)
• Gallonization (noun, rare)
• Gallon-sized (adjective)

Synonyms

• Liquid measure
• Volume unit
• Container unit

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The gallon is predominantly used in the United States and a few other countries to measure liquid substances such as fuel, milk, and other beverages. The UK gallon, also referred to as the imperial gallon, is used in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries. The difference in volume between the US gallon and the UK gallon can lead to confusion in international contexts.

Related Terms

• Quart
• Pint
• Liter
• Fluid ounce
• Barrel

Detailed Definition

Noun

• US Gallon: A unit of volume for liquid measure in the United States, equivalent to 231 cubic inches or approximately 3.785 liters.
  • Example: A standard US gallon of gasoline typically weighs about 6.3 pounds.

• UK Gallon (Imperial Gallon): A unit of volume for liquid measure in the United Kingdom, equivalent to 277.42 cubic inches or approximately 4.546 liters.
  • Example: The fuel efficiency of cars in the UK is often measured in miles per imperial gallon.