letter

 
Pronunciation: /ˈlɛtə/

noun

  • 1a character representing one or more of the sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet: a capital letter
  • (letters) British informal the initials of a degree or other qualification: your personality matters far more than letters after your name
  • US a school or college initial as a mark of proficiency, especially in sport: [as modifier]: a letter jacket
  • 2a written, typed, or printed communication, sent in an envelope by post or messenger: he sent a letter to Mrs Falconer
  • (letters) a legal or formal document.
  • 3 (the letter) the precise terms of a statement or requirement; the strict verbal interpretation: we must keep the spirit of the law as well as the letter
  • 4 (letters) literature: the world of letters
  • archaic scholarly knowledge; erudition.
  • 5 [mass noun] Printing a style of typeface.

verb

  • 1 [with object] inscribe letters or writing on: her name was lettered in gold
  • classify with letters: he numbered and lettered the paragraphs
  • 2 [no object] US informal be given a school or college initial as a mark of proficiency in sport: in high school she lettered in soccer, basketball and softball

Phrases

to the letter

with adherence to every detail: the method was followed to the letter

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French lettre, from Latin litera, littera 'letter of the alphabet', (plural) 'epistle, literature, culture'