What does "uncial" mean?
A style of writing using uncial letters.
Uncial
/ˈʌn.si.əl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A style of writing using uncial letters.
- Grammar: uncial is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abecedarian, alphabetic, alphabetical, capital.
- Usage evidence: This, also written in black letter, we found inscribed on a second parchment that was in the coffer, apparently somewhat older in date than that on which was inscribed the mediæval Latin translation of the uncial Greek of which I shall speak presently.
How to use "uncial"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "uncial" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "uncial" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "uncial" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "uncial" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abecedarian" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A style of writing using uncial letters.
- 2 a style of orthography characterized by somewhat rounded capital letters; found especially in Greek and Latin manuscripts of the 4th to 8th centuries wordnet
- 3 A letter in this style.
- 4 A manuscript in this style.
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to an ounce, or an inch, especially to letters printed an inch high. rare
- 2 Of or relating to a majuscule style of writing with unjoined, rounded letters, originally used in the 4th–9th centuries. not-comparable
"This, also written in black letter, we found inscribed on a second parchment that was in the coffer, apparently somewhat older in date than that on which was inscribed the mediæval Latin translation of the uncial Greek of which I shall speak presently."
Adjective
- 1 relating to or written in majuscule letters (which resemble modern capitals) wordnet
Example
"This, also written in black letter, we found inscribed on a second parchment that was in the coffer, apparently somewhat older in date than that on which was inscribed the mediæval Latin translation of the uncial Greek of which I shall speak presently."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "uncial"?
Common synonyms include: abecedarian, alphabetic, alphabetical, capital, cursive, graphemic.
How do you use "uncial" in a sentence?
This, also written in black letter, we found inscribed on a second parchment that was in the coffer, apparently somewhat older in date than that on which was inscribed the mediæval Latin translation of the uncial Greek of which I shall speak presently.
How do you pronounce "uncial"?
Pronounced /ˈʌn.si.əl/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Attested 1650, from Latin uncia (“a twelfth part, ounce, inch”).
Etymology 2
Attested 1712, from Late Latin unciales (“uncials”), unciales litterae (“uncial letters”) (Jerome), plural of uncialis (“pertaining to one twelfth part, ounce, or inch”), from uncia (“one twelfth part, ounce, inch”). The literal meaning is unclear: some references indicate "inch-high letters", but see “Uncial script” in Wikipedia.