letter
UK[ˈletə(r)]US[ˈletər]
n
a written or printed message, usually put in an envelope and sent by mail
n
a character that represents one or more sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet
n
the precise, literal meaning of a law or agreement, as opposed to its general intention or spirit
Etymology
The word 'letter' entered English via Old French 'lettre', which itself originated from Latin 'littera', meaning a character of the alphabet or a document. The Latin term is believed to be connected to 'linere', meaning 'to smear' (as in spreading ink), or may have been borrowed from an older Mediterranean language. From its original concrete sense of an alphabetic character, the meaning expanded to denote a written message composed of such characters. This semantic evolution from a single symbol to a complete written communication illustrates the foundational role of the alphabet in literacy and correspondence.
Analysis
The word 'letter' is a simplex word derived from a single Latin root. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
She received a heartfelt letter from her grandmother.
The word "book" begins with the letter 'b'.
They followed the letter of the law, if not its spirit.