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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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Barrel
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INFOTEXT
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1992-09-03
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19 lines
1. A cylindrical container, tapering at
each end, made of thick strips of wood bound
together by metal hoops. They are used for
the bulk storage of fine wines and spirits.
Barrels were made by coopers, whose main
skill was the shaping and bending of the
wooden strips (staves) so that they fitted
together without gaps when secured by the
hoops. They were widely used for storing
liquids and dry goods until the development
of plastic containers.
2. Unit of liquid capacity, the value of
which depends on the liquid being measured.
It is used for petroleum, a barrel of which
contains 159 litres/35 imperial gallons; a
barrel of alcohol contains 189 litres/41.5
imperial gallons.