kilocalorie

(′kil·ə′kal·ə·rē)

(thermodynamics) A unit of heat energy equal to 1000 calories. Abbreviated kcal. Also known as kilogram-calorie (kg-cal); large calorie (Cal).

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n

1000 calories, a unit of measure of the energy value in foodstuffs.

The Calorie; see calorie.

The heat required to raise 1 kilogram of water 1°C; the equivalent of 1000 small calories. Also see calorie.

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Cal; kcal

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 l of water by 1 °C. Energy changes associated with biochemical reactions are often expressed in kilocalories although the SI unit is the joule. Sometimes the term ‘calories’ used to describe the energy content of foods, is really kilocalories; 1 kcal equals 1000 cal.

IN BRIEF: n. - A unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one thousand grams of water by one degree at one atmosphere pressure.