| Definition:
A standardized set of letters or symbols that is used for visual communication. Note: To be a true alphabet the set must contain separate letters for both consonants and vowels (i.e., not just consonants and diacritics).
 (Source: Wikimedia Commons) |
| Etymology: The word derives via Late Latin from the Greek alphabetos, which in turn was coined by combining the Greek words alpha and beta, the first two letters of the Greek alphabet. |
| OED: The word's first OED citation is from 1580: "This common vsuall order in our Alphabet or crosrowe." (Baret Alv. A.,) |
-
superordinate of: bicameral alphabet | unicameral alphabet
-
see: abjad | abugida | consonantary | syllabary
Please comment