UNCIAL Meaning and
Definition
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Uncial is a term used in typography and paleography to describe a specific style of script that was commonly used in ancient and medieval manuscripts. The word "uncial" is derived from the Latin "uncia," meaning inch or inch mark, as this type of writing was typically around an inch in height.
Uncial script emerged during the late Roman Empire and was widely used in Europe from the 4th to the 8th century AD. It is characterized by its rounded and simplified letterforms, along with a lack of lowercase letters and punctuation marks. Uncial letters are typically written in a single stroke, with rounded shapes and thick, even strokes. These traits give uncial script a distinctive and elegant appearance.
Uncial manuscripts were often written on parchment or vellum, and their large, rounded letters were suitable for quick and efficient writing. This type of script was employed in a range of texts, including religious manuscripts, classical works, and legal documents.
Today, uncial script is primarily used for decorative purposes, such as in calligraphy and typography. It has also inspired various typefaces that imitate its unique letterforms. Uncial's distinctiveness and historical significance make it a fascinating and visually appealing style of writing that continues to captivate enthusiasts and researchers alike.
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• Pert. to certain characters or letters of a large round kind between capital and small letters, used in the writing of anc. MSS., and in anc. inscriptions from the 3d to the 11th centuries A.D.; done in uncial letters.
• An uncial letter; a letter standing for a word in anc. inscriptions.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for UNCIAL
Etymology of UNCIAL
The word "uncial" derives from the Latin word "uncialis", which means "inch high" or "of an inch". The term was used to describe a particular style of writing in ancient Rome, characterized by rounded, unconnected letters, usually written in a larger size. The name was given because the letters were approximately an inch high. Over time, "uncialis" evolved into "uncial" and came to refer specifically to the style of writing.
Similar spelling words for UNCIAL
- ungual,
- unequal,
- unequally,
- unwisely,
- unsalted,
- uncle,
- unseal,
- ungallant,
- unusually,
- unequaled,
- uniquely,
- unsealed,
- unsalable,
- unusual,
- unsalty.
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