Definition
A unit of liquid volume. One U.S. pint equals 16 fluid ounces, or one-eighth of a U.S. gallon (approximately 0.473 liters). One U.S. pint also equals two cups or one-half of a U.S. quart.
Plain English
A pint is a small measure of liquid. There are eight pints in a gallon and two pints in a quart.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance instructions, fluid servicing notes, and container labels for items such as oil, cleaning fluids, or other aircraft liquids.
Derivation
From the Old French 'pinte,' meaning a measure of liquid, likely from a Latin term referring to a painted mark on a container showing the fill level. The unit has been used for centuries to measure small volumes of liquid.
Why Pilots Care
Engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and other servicing fluids are often sold or specified in pints. Knowing the conversion to quarts and gallons matters when checking quantities or topping off a system.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse a pint with a quart. A pint is smaller: two pints equal one quart.
Example Sentence 1
The engine took one pint of oil to bring it back up to the full mark on the dipstick.
Example Sentence 2
Add two pints of hydraulic fluid to bring the reservoir to the proper level.