abjad

Definition - A type of writing system where there are graphemes for consonants but not for vowels. However, vowels may be shown by marks on the graphemes. The Aleppo Codex: a 10th century Hebrew Bible with Masoretic pointing Notes: 1. This is in contrast to alphabets, where there are graphemes for both consonants and vowels. 2. They are also called consonantaries and consonantal alphabets.

Example - Written Hebrew is an abjad, whereas written English is an alphabet.

Etymology - Coined by Peter T. Daniels, the word is an acronym derived from what were once the first four consonants in the Arabic alphabet.

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