Definition of quintal

< quintain

quintessence >

quin·tal    (kwntl) KEY 

NOUN:
Abbr. ql. or q.

1. A unit of mass in the metric system equal to 100 kilograms.
2. See hundredweight.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, a unit of weight, from Old French, from Medieval Latin quintle, from Arabic qinr, from Late Greek kentnarion, from Late Latin centnrium (pondus), hundred(weight), from Latin centnrius, of a hundred ; see centenary