majuscule

[ muh-juhs-kyool, maj-uh-skyool ]

adjective

1. (of letters) capital.
2. large, as either capital or uncial letters.
3. written in such letters ( minuscule ).

noun

1. a majuscule letter.

majuscule

/ məˈdʒʌskjʊlə; ˈmædʒəˌskjuːl /

noun

1. a large letter, either capital or uncial, used in printing or writing

adjective

1. relating to, printed, or written in such letters Compare minuscule

Derived Forms

• majuscular, adjective

Other Words From

• ma·juscu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of majuscule¹

1720–30; < Latin majuscula ( littera ) a somewhat bigger (letter), equivalent to majus-, stem of major major + -cula -cule ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of majuscule¹

C18: via French from Latin mājusculus, diminutive of mājor bigger, major

Example Sentences

It is written throughout in majuscule Roman capitals, which, although MM.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably the earliest Latin majuscule writing is that known as square capitals.

From Project Gutenberg

For example, in some of the early majuscule MSS., notes have been found written in this style.

From Project Gutenberg

This style is very important, as it marks the beginning of the change from majuscule to minuscule writing.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sign