l
Noun · AdjectiveWordNet 3.0
Noun (4)
- 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)Synonyms: literlitrecubic decimetercubic decimetre
- the cardinal number that is the product of ten and fiveSynonyms: fifty50L
- a cgs unit of illumination equal to the brightness of a perfectly diffusing surface that emits or reflects one lumen per square centimeterSynonyms: lambertL
- the 12th letter of the Roman alphabetSynonyms: L
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
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.] [1913 Webster]
2.(Mech.) A short right-angled pipe fitting, used in connecting two pipes at right angles. [Written also ell.] [1913 Webster]
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). [1913 Webster]
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, [=e]"g'l. See Guide to Pronunciation, [sect]241. [1913 Webster]
2.As a numeral, L stands for fifty in the English, as in the Latin language. [1913 Webster]
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).[1913 Webster]
1.Having the general shape of the (capital) letter L; as, an L beam, or L-beam. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
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.] [Webster 1913 Suppl.]