ˈgalən noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English galon, galun, a liquid measure, from Old North French galon; akin to Old French jalaie, a measure of capacity; both directly or indirectly from Medieval Latin galeta jug, pail, a liquid measure
1. : any of various units of capacity: as
a. : a unit of liquid capacity equal to 231 cubic inches
a gallon jug
b. : a British unit of liquid and dry capacity equal to 277.42 cubic inches — called also imperial gallon ; see ale gallon , wine gallon ; measure table
2. : an extremely large quantity or number — usually used in plural
gallons of tea, which seems to have no effect on the nerves here — Fanny K. Wister
in North America there are gallons of language families, each with one or two gallons of languages — C.F.Voegelin & T.A.Sebeok