letter

(lĕtˈər)

1. a. A written symbol or character representing a speech sound and being a component of an alphabet.
   b. A written symbol or character used in the graphemic representation of a word, such as the h in Thames. See Note at Thames.
2. A written or printed communication directed to a person or organization.
3. A certified document granting rights to its bearer. Often used in the plural.
4. Literal meaning: had to adhere to the letter of the law.
5. letters (used with a sing. verb)
   a. Literary culture; belles-lettres.
   b. Learning or knowledge, especially of literature.
   c. Literature or writing as a profession.
6. Printing
   a. A piece of type that prints a single character.
   b. A specific style of type.
   c. The characters in one style of type.
7. An emblem in the shape of the initial of a school awarded for outstanding performance, especially in varsity athletics.

1. To write letters on.
2. To write in letters.

1. To write or form letters.
2. To earn a school letter, as for outstanding athletic achievement: She lettered in three collegiate sports.

Related Forms:

• letˈter·er noun