uncial

1 of 2

adjective

un·cial ˈən(t)-shəl

-sē-əl

: written in the style or size of uncials

uncially adverb

uncial

2 of 2

noun

: a handwriting used especially in Greek and Latin manuscripts of the fourth to the eighth centuries a.d. and made with somewhat rounded separated majuscules but having cursive forms for some letters

: an uncial letter

: a manuscript written in uncial

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Late Latin unciales (litterae) uncial (letters), from Latin, plural of uncialis weighing an ounce, from uncia twelfth part, ounce — more at ounce

First Known Use

Adjective

1712, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of uncial was in 1712

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Uncial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncial. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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uncial

adjective

noun

Illustration of uncial

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near uncial

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