em-

¹ American  

1. variant of en- before b, p, and sometimes m:

   embalm.

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em- ² American  

1. variant of en- before b, m, p, ph:

   embolism, emphasis.

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em ³ American  

[em] / ɛm /

noun

PLURAL

ems

1. the letter M, m.

2. Also called mut, mutton.  Printing.

   1. the square of any size of type used as the unit of measurement for matter printed in that type size.

   2. (originally) the portion of a line of type occupied by the letter M in type of the same size.

3. em pica.

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adjective

1. Printing.  having the area of an em quad or the length of an em dash.

'em ⁴ American  

[uhm] / əm /

pronoun

Informal.

1. them.

   Put 'em down there.

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Em ⁵ American  

Symbol, Physical Chemistry.

1. emanation.

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EM ⁶ American  

abbreviation

1. electromagnetic.

2. electromotive.

3. electronic mail.

4. electron microscope; electron microscopy.

5. end matched.

6. Engineer of Mines.

7. enlisted man; enlisted men.

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E.M. ⁷ American  

abbreviation

1. Earl Marshal.

2. Engineer of Mines.

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em ¹ British  

/ ɛm /

noun

1. Also called: mutton.   mut.  the square of a body of any size of type, used as a unit of measurement

2. Also called: pica em.   pica.  a unit of measurement used in printing, equal to one sixth of an inch

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'em ² British  

/ əm /

pronoun

1. an informal variant of them

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em- ³ British  

prefix

1. before b, m, and p, a variant of en- 1 en- 2

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Etymology

Origin of em³

First recorded in 1860–65

Origin of 'em⁴

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English hem, Old English heom, dative and accusative plural of he ¹

Example Sentences

“To me, they’re worth the diamonds that were in ’em.

From The Wall Street Journal

The idea that became Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots was nearly knocked out before it could reach store shelves.

From The Wall Street Journal

By late 1964, Kmart stores were advertising Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots for $7.97.

From The Wall Street Journal

After releasing their first album together in 16 years, “Let God Sort Em Out,” the formidable Virginia rap duo of Pusha T and Malice embarked on a victory lap, which included a successful reunion tour and a flurry of hilariously entertaining interviews.

From Los Angeles Times

Much like “Let God Sort Em Out,” the Clipse’s performance further solidified why they’ve been in the game for more than 20 years and why they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

From Los Angeles Times