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italic

Pronunciation: /ɪˈtalɪk/

Translate italic | into German | into Italian

Definition of italic

adjective

of the sloping kind of typeface used especially for emphasis or distinction and in foreign words.
(of handwriting) modelled on 16th-century Italian handwriting, typically cursive and sloping and with elliptical or pointed letters.

noun

(also italics) [mass noun] an italic typeface or letter:the key words are in italics

Origin:

late Middle English (in the general sense 'Italian'): via Latin from Greek Italikos, from Italia 'Italy'. Senses relating to writing date from the early 17th century