let·ter (lĕt'ər)
n.

1. 1. A written symbol or character representing a speech sound and being a component of an alphabet.
   2. 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)
   1. Literary culture; belles-lettres.
   2. Learning or knowledge, especially of literature.
   3. Literature or writing as a profession.
6. Printing.
   1. A piece of type that prints a single character.
   2. A specific style of type.
   3. 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.

v., -tered, -ter·ing, -ters.

v.tr.

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

v.intr.

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

idiom:

to the letter

1. To the last detail; exactly: followed instructions to the letter.

[Middle English, from Old French lettre, from Latin littera, perhaps from Etruscan, from Greek diphtherā, hide, leather, writing surface.]

letterer let'ter·er n.

SYNONYMS   letter, epistle, missive, note. These nouns denote a written communication directed to another: received a letter of complaint; the Epistles of the New Testament; a missive of condolence; a thank-you note.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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