Definition of: letter

(let′ər) noun
1. A mark or character used to represent a sound or articulation of human speech; a character of the alphabet; a primary element of written speech; also, a type bearing such a character, or, collectively, printer's type or a style of type.
2. A school insigne of cloth to be worn on a sweater, customarily awarded by a school or college to its distinguished athletes.
3. A written or printed communication from one person to another; especially, a missive longer than a note; an epistle.
4. A document certifying a grant of authority, right, privilege, or the like, made to the person named therein: often in the plural: letters dimissory, letters patent.
5. The literal or exact meaning or requirement of the words used: the letter of the law.
6. plural Literary culture; learning; knowledge; erudition; also, literature in the aggregate or in general: the domain of letters.
7. Music A tone, note, key, or degree designated or symbolized by a letter of the alphabet.
—man of letters A man who follows literature as a profession; also, a man of learning; a scholar.
—v.t. To inscribe or write with letters. [<OF lettre <L littera a letter of the alphabet, in pl., an epistle]
—let′ter·er noun Synonyms (noun): character, emblem, mark, sign, symbol, type.