(linguistics) One of fourteen Arabic letters that cause the "L" of a preceding definite article اَل (al-) to be assimilated in pronunciation. The sun letter suppresses the sound of the "L" and then geminates: al + ṣīn = aṣ-ṣīn. The effect of the sun letter is limited to pronunciation and does not affect the spelling, except that a shadda may be written over the sun letter and in the fully vocalised spelling lām lacks any diacritics: الصِّين (aṣ-ṣīn). The fourteen sun letters are ت (t), ث (ṯ), د (d), ذ (ḏ), ر (r), ز (z), س (s), ش (š), ص (ṣ), ض (ḍ), ط (ṭ), ظ (ẓ), ل (l), ن (n). Phonetically, they represent coronal consonants.

A letter written to a newspaper, magazine or other periodical, usually intended for publication, about issues of concern to readers.

(idiomatic) Literally, exactly, following the rules as written.

(typography, uncountable) The distinction between majuscule (uppercase) and minuscule (lowercase) letters. / (countable) A case used for carrying written letters.

plural of red letter law

plural of letter box

In Ancient Rome, one of the first eight letters of the alphabet, which were repeated successively from the first to the last day of the year. One of these always expressed the market day, which returned every nine days (every eight days by our reckoning).

plural of letter corporal

(now rare) A corporal with responsibility for carrying or delivering letters for a given regiment etc.

A communication from a bishop to the clergy or laity containing instructions, directions etc