[syn: F, f]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
F \F\ ([e^]f).
1. F is the sixth letter of the English alphabet, and a
nonvocal consonant. Its form and sound are from the Latin.
The Latin borrowed the form from the Greek digamma ?,
which probably had the value of English w consonant. The
form and value of Greek letter came from the Ph[oe]nician,
the ultimate source being probably Egyptian.
Etymologically f is most closely related to p, k, v, and
b; as in E. five, Gr. pe`nte; E. wolf, L. lupus, Gr.
ly`kos; E. fox, vixen; fragile, break; fruit, brook, v.
t.; E. bear, L. ferre. See Guide to Pronunciation,
[sect][sect] 178, 179, 188, 198, 230.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mus.) The name of the fourth tone of the model scale, or
scale of C. F sharp (F [sharp]) is a tone intermediate
between F and G.
[1913 Webster]
F clef, the bass clef. See under Clef.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
F
n 1: a degree on the Fahrenheit scale of temperature [syn:
degree Fahrenheit, F]
2: a nonmetallic univalent element belonging to the halogens;
usually a yellow irritating toxic flammable gas; a powerful
oxidizing agent; recovered from fluorite or cryolite or
fluorapatite [syn: fluorine, F, atomic number 9]
3: the capacitance of a capacitor that has an equal and opposite
charge of 1 coulomb on each plate and a voltage difference of
1 volt between the plates [syn: farad, F]
4: the 6th letter of the Roman alphabet [syn: F, f]
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):
F, punishment, English law. Formerly felons were branded and marked with a
hot iron, with this letter, on being admitted to the benefit of clergy.