M
(M)
1. M, the thirteenth letter of the English alphabet, is a vocal consonant, and from the manner of its formation,
is called the labio-nasal consonant. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 178-180, 242.
The letter M came into English from the Greek, through the Latin, the form of the Greek letter being
further derived from the Phœnician, and ultimately, it is believed, from the Egyptian. Etymologically M is
related to n, in lime, linden; emmet, ant; also to b.
M is readily followed by b and p. the position of the lips in the formation of both letters being the same.
The relation of b and m is the same as that of d and t to n. and that of g and k to ng.
2. As a numeral, M stands for one thousand, both in English and Latin.
M
(M), n.
1. (Print.) A quadrat, the face or top of which is a perfect square; also, the size of such a square in
any given size of type, used as the unit of measurement for that type: 500 m's of pica would be a piece
of matter whose length and breadth in pica m's multiplied together produce that number. [Written also
em.]
2. (law) A brand or stigma, having the shape of an M, formerly impressed on one convicted of manslaughter
and admitted to the benefit of clergy.
M roof (Arch.),
a kind of roof formed by the junction of two common roofs with a valley between them,
so that the section resembles the letter M.
Ma
(Ma) n. [Cf. Mamma.]
1. A child's word for mother.
2. [Hind.] In Oriental countries, a respectful form of address given to a woman; mother. Balfour
Ma
(||Ma), conj. [It.] (Mus.) But; — used in cautionary phrases; as, "Vivace, ma non troppo presto"
Moore
Maa
(Maa) n. [See New a gull.] (Zoöl.) The common European gull (Larus canus); — called also mar.
See New, a gull.
Maad
(Maad) obs. p. p. of Make. Made. Chaucer.
Maalin
(Maa"lin) n. (Zoöl.) (a) The sparrow hawk. (b) The kestrel.
Ma'am
(Ma'am) n. Madam; my lady; — a colloquial contraction of madam often used in direct address,
and sometimes as an appellation.
Maara shell
(Ma"a*ra shell`) (Zoöl.) A large, pearly, spiral, marine shell from the Pacific Islands. It is
used as an ornament.
Maasha
(||Ma*ash"a) n. An East Indian coin, of about one tenth of the weight of a rupee.
Maat
(Maat) a. [See Mate, a.] Dejected; sorrowful; downcast. [Obs.] "So piteous and so maat." Chaucer.
Mab
(Mab) n. [Cf. W. mad a male child, a boy.]
1. A slattern. [Prov. Eng.]