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Definition

noun, plural: kilocalories

A measure of heat energy that is equal to the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Centigrade at one atmospheric pressure.

Supplement

It is used in measurements of the heat production of chemical reactions, including those involved in biology.

Abbreviation: Cal or cal, kcal

Synonyms:

• calorie
• kilogram calorie
• large calorie

Compare: Joule