moon letter

American  

noun

Arabic Grammar.

1. any letter, as bā or mīm, representing a consonant that does not assimilate the l of a prefixed definite article.

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Etymology

Origin of moon letter

Translation of Arabic al-ḥuruf al-qamorīyah, so called from the use of al-qamar (the moon) to illustrate nonassimilation of l in al the

Example Sentences

The "red moon" letter seemed to have caught her on the wing—at her highest and happiest—for she answered it in fine faith and lightness.

From Project Gutenberg