Skip to main content
Oxford English Dictionay
Advanced search
More informations
Revised 2000 More entries for "M"

Mnoun

Contents

Quotations

In other dictionaries

  1. I.
    The letter M (m).
    1. I.1.
      Old English–
      The letter, and the sound it represents.
      1. OE
        Semivocales syndon seofan: f, l, m, n, r, s, x.
        Ælfric, Grammar (St. John's Oxford MS.) 6
      2. 1991
        There was the innocent, fusty vocabulary that had once inspired him: Manhood with a capital M, courage, honor.
        M. Atwood in New Yorker 18 February 33/2
    2. I.2.
      1480–
      As a distinguishing letter, usually as part of an alphabetical sequence, denoting one of a series of things, a point in a diagram, a sheet of a book or quire of a manuscript, etc.
      1. 1480
        m1.
        W. Caxton, Chronicles of England (printer's signature mark)
      2. 1994
        Glue and nail M and N onto L with mitre joints at the two front corners.
        Canadian Workshop September 34/1
    3. I.3.
      1665–
      The letter with reference to its shape; something having the shape of the letter. M roof noun a roof formed from two ordinary gable roofs with a valley between them, whose section resembles the capital letter M.
      1. 1665
        The other Mandril..has an even neck instead of a taper one, and runs in a Collar, that by the help of a Screw, and a joynt made like M in the Figure, it can be still adjustned to the wearing or wasting neck.
        R. Hooke, Micrographia Preface sig. E2
      2. 1991
        Two rock tablets, each the size of a five-story building, rise from the center of the steep mountain slope. Together they form an M.
        G. Ehrlich, Islands, Universe, Home iv. 36
    4. I.4.
      1683–1863
      † Typography. In form m (without point). = em n. m quadrat noun = em quadrat at em n. m-thick adjective designating a type having the thickness of an m quadrat. Obsolete.
      1. 1683
        Some [types] are m thick; by m thick is meant m Quadrat thick, which is just so thick as the Body is high.
        J. Moxon, Mechanick Exercises vol. II. 99
      2. 1863
        Compositors are allowed 60 cents per thousand m's (not reckoning by n's as in England).
        Daily News 10 August
      printing and typography
  2. II.
    Symbolic uses (written without a following point, except where otherwise indicated).
    1. II.5.
      1396–
      In form M. The roman numeral symbol for a thousand.
      In the 15th and 16th centuries it could be substituted for the numeral word in any context; it is now rare except in dates represented in roman numerals. For earlier history see etymological note above.
      1. 1396
        The secvnde day of May the yher of our lorde mccc neynty and sex.
        in Scottish Antiquary (1900) vol. 14 217
      2. 1996
        Dilutions are measured according to either the decimal (x), centesimal (c) or millesimal (M) scale.
        S. Lavery et al., Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Complementary Health 77/1
      mathematics
    2. II.6.
      1833–
      Astronomy. In form M (without point), † M. (with point). Used with following (originally †preceding) numeral to denote indistinct non-stellar objects listed in the catalogue of Charles Messier (cf. Messier n.), originally all classed as nebulae but now recognized as including galaxies and star clusters as well as nebulae.
      As a catalogue Messier's was superseded by the New General Catalogue (NGC), but the numbers derived from Messier's catalogue remain in use.
      1. 1833
        [No.] 50..[Synonym] M. 31..[Description and Remarks] The great nebula in Andromeda.
        J. F. W. Herschel in Philosophical Transactions (Royal Society) vol. 123 367
      2. 1994
        M31 has long occupied a pivotal position in astronomical research.
        American Scientist October 478/1
      astronomy
    3. II.7.
      1862–
      Science. Now in form m, usually italicized. In mathematical expressions: mass.
      1. 1862
        Suppose then a particle of mass m to have for its actual weight W′, [etc.].
        Philosophical Transactions (Royal Society) vol. 152 489
      2. 1992
        The scale height in such an atmosphere is defined by H = kT/μmg, where T is the local temperature, k is Boltzmann's constant, μ is the mean molecular weight, m is the proton mass, and g is the local acceleration due to gravity.
        S. P. Maran, Astronomy & Astrophysics Encyclopedia 522/1
      mathematics
    4. II.8.
      1890–
      Mathematics. In form M. = modulus n. 2a.
      1. 1890
        In math., M or μ stands for modulus.
        Century Dictionary (at cited word)
      2. 1989
        The common logarithms..arise from the natural logarithms after multiplication by the constant 1/ln 10 = M10, which is called the modulus of the logarithms to the basis 10.
        W. Gellert et al., VNR Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics (ed. 2) ii. 58
      mathematics
    5. II.9.
      1890–
      Zoology. Usually in form M (with or without point). In dental formulae: molar(s).
      1. 1890
        In dental formulæ, in zoöl., m. stands for molar.
        Century Dictionary at M
      2. 1991
        [The molars of the field vole are] distinguishable from the molars of the bank vole by..the presence of a fifth loop of enamel on M2.
        G. B. Corbet & S. Harris, Handbook British Mammals (ed. 3) 204/1
      animals
    6. II.10.
      1890–
      Astronomy. In form M. In the system of classification of stellar spectra into divisions: the division comprising the spectra of the coolest stars, with molecular (particularly titanium oxide) absorption bands; chiefly attributive (esp. in M-star, M-type star), designating a red star with a surface temperature of approx. 2,400–3,500 K which emits such a spectrum.
      1. 1890
        When a spectrum is of the third type it is indicated by the letter M.
        E. C. Pickering, Draper Catalogue Stellar Spectra in Annals of Astron. Observatory Harvard Coll. vol. 27 3
      2. 1991
        Very small stars, of about a quarter the mass of the Sun, enter as M-type red dwarfs.
        C. A. Ronan, Natural History of Universe 84/2
      taxonomyastronomy
    7. II.11.
      Physics.
      1. II.11.a.
        1911–
        In form M. Designating the series of X-ray emission lines obtained by exciting the atoms of any particular element which are of longer wavelength than the L-series (cf. L n. II.6a), and arise from electron transitions to the atomic orbit of third lowest energy, with principal quantum number 3. M-capture noun the capture by an atomic nucleus of one of the M-electrons. M-electrons noun electrons in the atomic orbit of third lowest energy, having principal quantum number 3. M-shell noun the shell of M-electrons.
        1. 1911
          From the similarity of the behaviour of all the elements we must then admit..the possibility of further series M, N, &c.
          C. G. Barkla in London, Edinburgh, & Dublin Philosophical Magazine 6th Series vol. 22 408
        2. 1970
          An electron that has enough energy to expel a K electron obviously can also expel any L or M electron.
          E. P. Bertin, Principles & Practice of X-ray Spectrometric Analysis i. 27
        physics
      2. II.11.b.
        1923–
        [Introduced by A. Landé 1921, in Zeitschr. f. Physik vol. 5 233.] Denoting magnetic quantum numbers, corresponding to the component of an angular momentum (often indicated by a subscript) in some physically distinguished direction (usually that of a magnetic field).
        m is usually used for a single particle, and M for an assemblage of particles.
        1. 1923
          The numbers at the left show the magnetic quantum number m characterizing each level.
          Journal of Optical Society of America vol. 7 415
        2. 1984
          The magnetic quantum number, ml, is related to the direction of the electron's angular momentum and it can take on integer values ranging from −l to +l.
          D. C. Giancoli, General Physics xli. 803
        physics
    8. II.12.
      1948–
      Economics. In form M. Used in measures of money supply, usually with a numeral which denotes how narrow a definition of the assets under consideration is being used.
      The range now generally goes from M0 (the sum of notes and coins in circulation) to M5 (the broadest definition), though formerly different nomenclature and definitions were used: see quot. 1987.
      1. 1948
        If the total amount of all..kinds of money is M and the price level is P, then according to the simplified quantity theory M = kP or \(\displaystyle P\ =\ \frac{1}{k}<kw\ eid="988413951">M</kw>\) where k is a factor of proportionality which remains constant if ‘other things are equal’.
        P. A. Samuelson, Economics xiii. 291
      2. 1987
        As from next Wednesday's provisional monetary statistics, £M3 will become plain M3 while the former M3, which includes foreign currency assets, will be M3c. The present PSL2, which includes building society deposits together with money-market instruments, certificates of tax deposit and some national savings accounts as well as the components of £M3, will become M5. In between £M3 and M5 the Bank intends to track a new aggregate M4, which includes only building society deposits in addition to the cash and bank deposits in £M3.
        Times 14 May 23/4
      3. 1994
        At a purely practical level, there is no unique definition of what constitutes the money supply... The various definitions are, by convention, denoted by the capital letter ‘M’ followed by a number. So we have, for example, M0, M1 and so on, usually up to M5, although there can be subtle variants such as M1A.
        P. Ormerod, Death of Econ. (1995) v. 96
      economics
    9. II.13.
      1957–
      In form M. Cell Biology and Genetics. The period of the cell reproduction cycle in which mitosis or meiosis occurs; usually attributive in M phase, esp. M-phase promoting factor.
      1. 1957
        The cell cycle in bone marrow cells. M = mitosis;... S = period of DNA synthesis.
        Physiol. Review vol. 37 52 (caption)
      2. 1998
        This and several subsequent steps of meiosis are controlled by the M-phase promoting factor (MPF).
        Molecular Human Reproduction vol. 4 745
      cell biologygenetics
  3. III.
    Simple abbreviations.
    1. III.14.
      ?1441–
      In form M. A substitution in speech and text for various names (forename or surname).
      1. ?1441
        Wretyn at Oxnede..on þe Thrusday next be-fore Seynt Tomas Day... Yowre ys, M. P.
        M. Paston in Paston Letters & Papers (2004) vol. I. 217
      2. 1993
        Mother Not eating, Patsy? Patsy Liquid lunch for me, Mrs M. Mother No wonder you're still as thin as a rake.
        J. Saunders, Absolutely Fabulous v. 108
    2. III.15.
      Of various English words.
      1. III.15.a.
        c1454–1816
        † In later use usually in form M (usually without point). In general use, and as a conventional title of address or report: = (the later) mister n.2, Mr n.; to have (also carry) an M under one's girdle: to use a respectful prefix (as Mr, Mrs) when addressing or mentioning a person; cf. girdle n.1 1c. See also Initialisms 2. Obsolete.
        1. c1454
          The tenor of the qwyche letter a-for-sende, the sayd m [i.e. mayster w. churche] can remembre ȝow.
          in H. Anstey, Epistolae Academicae Oxon. (1898) vol. I. 327 (Middle English Dictionary)
        2. 1816
          Ye might hae had an M under your belt for Mistress Wilson of Milnwood.
          W. Scott, Old Mortality x, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Series vol. IV. 231
      2. III.15.b.
        1487–1728
        †  M. Used as a mark or brand on a person convicted of murder and admitted to the benefit of clergy. Obsolete.
        1. 1487
          Every suche persone so convicted for murdre, to be marked with a M. upon the brawne of the lefte thumbe.
          Act 4 Henry VII c. 13
        2. 1728
          M, in Law, was the Brand or Stigma of a Person convicted of Murder, and admitted to the Benefit of his Clergy.
          E. Chambers, Cyclopædia
      3. III.15.c.
        1548–
        In form M. (also m.) Mark, marks †(a) as a measure of weight (see mark n.2 1) (obsolete); (b) as a monetary unit (see mark n.2 2); (in 20th-cent. use only) the monetary unit of the (former) German Democratic Republic, or (rarely) Germany.
        1. 1548
          A C. liii. ounces in golden plate, & .iiii. M. iii. oz in gylte plate.
          Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. cclviiv
        2. 1986
          M., abbreviation of mark der deutschen Demokratische Republik, the standard unit of the currency of East Germany.
          J. Hanson, Dictionary of Economics (ed. 6) 250/1
        economics and commercemeasurement
      4. III.15.d.
        1581–
        In form M. Majesty (see also H.M. n.).
        1. 1581
          His thankfull spreit tovart zour, m.
          J. Hamilton, Catholik Traictise Epist. f. 3v
        2. 1794
          His M. order'd Me to call at Farmer Sherring's where I order'd two of those Broad Rakes called Hell Rakes.
          R. F. Greville, Diary 28 August (1930) 309
      5. III.15.e.
        1591
        † In form M. Mastership. Obsolete.
        1. 1591
          Stiffing gray to your M. doublat.
          in C. Innes, Book Thanes Cawdor (1859) 199
      6. III.15.f.
        1611–
        Grammar. In form m (also M). Masculine.
        1. 1611
          Aage, m. aye, yeares, dayes; also, an aye; time, season.
          R. Cotgrave, Dictionarie of French & English Tongues
        2. 1992
          The inroads of m gender in the group above is probably attributable to a well-established group of English loanwords indicating some action.
          H. Kuhn in C. Blank, Language & Civilization vol. I. 616
        grammar
      7. III.15.g.
        1670–
        In form m. Minute (of arc or of time); cf. rpm n., w.p.m. n.
        1. 1670
          Therefore she [sc. the Moon] is in Antecedence of the Star 15 m. 25 sec.
          J. Flamstead in Philosophical Transactions 1669 (Royal Society) vol. 4 1109
        2. 1970
          The outputs of two receivers..were combined, and the detected signal was sampled digitally every 50 ms over a period of 13 m 39 s.
          Nature 12 September 1123/2
      8. III.15.h.
        1719–
        In form m (also M). = mile n.1 (now chiefly as part of other initialisms, as mpg, mph, etc.).
        1. 1719
          Arundel Castle in Sussex, 8 m. from Chichester, and 46 from London.
          Of Several Degrees Gentry 13
        2. 1992
          m.,..mile(s).
          Oxford Dictionary Abbrev. 231/2
        measurement
      9. III.15.i.
        1810–
        In form m (without point). Metre, metres (the unit of length).
        1. 1810
          Killometer, 1000 M.
          Naval Chronicle vol. 24 301
        2. 1992
          The speed of light is also taken as a defining constant. Its standard value is 299,792,458 m s−1.
          S. P. Maran, Astronomy & Astrophysics Encyclopedia 131/2
      10. III.15.j.
        1858–
        In form M (without point; also m). Male (see also quot. 1973; cf. m/f n.).
        1. 1858
          Admitted... m...f...t. [i.e. total].
          Journal of Mental Science vol. 4 237 (table)
        2. 1973
          M & F, male and female (components, as of connecting devices).
          Acronyms & Initialisms Dictionary (Gale Research Co.) (ed. 4) 349/2
        3. 1990
          Cliche-free, fun-loving independent professional F seeks M 50+ to dance on top of the world together.
          New York Review of Books 12 April 55/4 (advertisement)
      11. III.15.k.
        1889–
        Chemistry. In form m, usually italicized. = meta- prefix 4b.
        1. 1889
          The xylene of coal tar consists of a mixture of the three isomers, m-xylene being present to the extent of 70 to 85 p.c.
          G. M'Gowan, translation of A. Bernthsen, Text-book of Organic Chemistry xvii. 329
        2. 1993
          1,4-Dibromobutane..and m-fluoroaniline..were introduced separately into the reaction flask.
          Dyes & Pigments vol. 21 3
        chemistry
      12. III.15.l.
        1894–
        In form M. Of paper quality: middling, showing slight imperfections.
        1. 1894
          M paper, paper which is not up to the highest standard of the manufacturer.
          American Dictionary of Printing & Bookmaking 354/1
        2. 1948
          M's or M paper. Paper not up to the standard quality.
          M. E. Skillin & R. M. Gay, Words into Type 545
        papermaking
      13. III.15.m.
        1900–
        Music. In form m. = mezzo adv.
        mf: mezzo forte; mp: mezzo piano.
        1. 1900
          A lesser degree of loudness is expressed by mf—mezzoforte.
          Grove's Dictionary of Music vol. I. 566/1
        2. 1959
          A G major tune enters, 5-4-3-2-(7)-1, mf, adagio 3/4, flowing rhythm, legato, played by violas and bassoons.
          D. Cooke, Language of Music iii. 133
        music
      14. III.15.n.
        1904–
        Music. In form M. Metronome.
        1. 1904
          M., Mus. = metronome.
          New English Dictionary
        music
      15. III.15.o.
        1904–
        In form m. In organ music: manual.
        1. 1904
          m., in organ music, manual.
          New English Dictionary
        organ-playing
      16. III.15.p.
        1904–
        Meteorology. In form m. Mist.
        1. 1904
          m, in log-books = mist.
          New English Dictionary
        2. 1934
          m mist; range of visibility 1,100 yards or more, but less than 2,200 yards.
          A. H. R. Goldie, Abercromby's Weather (revised edition) ii. 13 (table)
        weather
      17. III.15.q.
        1909–
        M (without point; also m). Medium (esp. as a designation of clothing size; cf. MCU n.).
        1. 1909
          M,..in the form m. or M.,..medium.
          Webster's New International Dictionary of English Language
        2. 1996
          MCDC men's abdo-protector..with three inch waistband, s, m, l, approx £10.
          Sunday Telegraph 13 October (Sport section) 14 (caption)
      18. III.15.r.
        a1912–
        In form M. Morphine.
        1. a1912
          M., morphin.
          W. T. Rogers, Dictionary of Abbreviations (1913)
        2. 1994
          Street names for heroin include H, horse, skag, smack, stuff, junk. For morphine: M, morph, white, stuff.
          Daily Telegraph 18 October 19/1
        organic chemistry
      19. III.15.s.
        1919–
        Chemistry. In form M (without point). = molar adj.4
        1. 1919
          0.2 M acid potassium phthalate.
          S. W. Cole, Practical Physiological Chemistry (ed. 5) i. 24
        2. 1992
          The electrode solutions were 1 M orthophosphoric acid (anode) and 1 M sodium hydroxide (cathode).
          Coleopterists Bulletin vol. 46 132
        chemistry
      20. III.15.t.
        1955–
        In form M (without point). Marijuana.
        1. 1955
          We wouldn't so much as give him a stick of M.
          E. Hunter in Manhunt July 5/1
        2. 1992
          M or MJ for marijuana.
          Eng. Today July 40/2
        drug use
      21. III.15.u.
        1955–
        In form m. (also M.). Million (as £300m. = three hundred million pounds, $500m. = five hundred million dollars).
        1. 1955
          $1M. declined.
          Times 3 May 10/3 (heading)
        2. 1991
          InterCity anticipates that with 21m vouchers expected to be issued through high street stores, two million free rail journeys will be made as a result.
          Incentive Today October 11/1
      22. III.15.v.
        1959–
        British. In form M (without point). Motorway (usually prefixed to a number and denoting a particular road). Also figurative.
        1. 1959
          Two people were injured in an accident on the London–Birmingham motorway, the M.1, yesterday.
          Times 10 November 6/5
        2. 1998
          Glenn Hoddle has already said his team are motorways behind Brazil, but there were times last night when they were the length of the M1 behind Switzerland.
          Daily Star 26 March 47/1
        British English
    3. III.16.
      Of French, Latin, and Italian words.
      1. III.16.a.
        1686–
        In form M. Standing for monsieur n. as a prefixed title. Also in plural (messieurs n.) MM.
        1. 1686
          Although M. de Nointel scrupl'd at first, yet he consented at length.
          translation of J. Chardin, Travels Persia 63
        2. 1993
          ‘Now,’ wrote M. le maire, ‘how about adjectival participles turned into nouns?’
          Globe & Mail (Toronto) 9 January d6/4
      2. III.16.b.
        1741–
        In form M. (also m.). [with numeral, abbreviation of classical Latin meridies (see meridian adj.)] In astronomical tables, etc.: meridian or meridional; (also more generally following the numeral twelve) noon (cf. a.m. adv. & n.1, p.m. adv. & n.1).
        1. 1741
          M, in astronomical tables,..is used for Meridional or southern, sometimes for Meridies or mid-day.
          E. Chambers, Cyclopædia (ed. 4) (at cited word)
        2. 1840
          At twelve m., it bore N.W. ½ N.
          R. H. Dana, Two Years before Mast xxxiv. 129
      3. III.16.c.
        1904–
        Music. In form m. [abbreviation of Italian mano or French main hand (see manage v.)] Hand (as (use the) m. destra or m. droite, (use the) right hand).
        1. 1904
          m., Mus. = It. mano or F. main.
          New English Dictionary
        music
    4. III.17.
      As prefix, forming symbols of units of measurement. See also Initialisms 4d (and cf. sense II.5).
      1. III.17.a.
        1870–
        Now in form m (without point). = milli- comb. form. For initialisms see Initialisms 4b.
        Recorded earliest in mm n.
        1. 1870
          There are a large number of very small nerve tubules (0mm,0033) diameter mingled with others of average and of large diameter 0mm,01 to 0mm,02 and ·0·3.
          Nature 9 June 108/2
      2. III.17.b.
        1878–
        Now in form m (without point). = micro- comb. form 4 (now rare: superseded by μ). For initialisms see Initialisms 4a.
        1. 1878
          A quarter of a century ago..Harting proposed..micro-millimetre... Thus we had m. for the metre, mm. for the millimetre, and mmm. for the micromillimetre.
          Journal of Royal Microscopical Society vol. 1 355
      3. III.17.c.
        1934–
        Usually in form M (without point) = mega- comb. form 2. For initialisms see Initialisms 4c.
        1. 1934
          M,..mega- (million).
          Webster's New International Dictionary of English Language