Definition

1. Proper noun (Ms.):

   • A title used before a woman's surname or full name, regardless of her marital status. It is the default professional and formal title for a woman, analogous to "Mr." for a man.

2. Noun (MS, M.S.):

   • An abbreviation for a Master of Science, an advanced academic degree.
   • An abbreviation for manuscript, the original text of an author's work submitted for publication.
   • An abbreviation for multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system.
   • An abbreviation for Mississippi, a state in the southern United States.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Ms.):
  • The letter was addressed to Ms. Johnson.
  • Please welcome our next speaker, Ms. Elena Rodriguez.
• Noun (MS, M.S.):
  • She earned her MS in Computer Engineering. (Master of Science)
  • The author sent the final MS to the publisher. (manuscript)
  • He was diagnosed with MS last year. (multiple sclerosis)
  • The river flows along the border of MS. (Mississippi)

Advanced Usage

• Ms. vs. Miss/Mrs.: The title "Ms." was popularized in the 20th century to provide a standard title for women that, like "Mr.," does not indicate marital status. It is preferred in professional and formal contexts when the woman's preference is unknown.
  • The committee chair is Ms. Davis. (Her marital status is not specified or relevant.)

Variants and Related Words

• Miss: A title for an unmarried woman or girl.
• Mrs.: A title for a married woman.
• Mr.: A title for a man.
• Mx.: A gender-neutral title.

Synonyms

• (For the title): Title, form of address.
• (For the degree): Master's degree, postgraduate degree.
• (For the manuscript): Draft, document, text.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The meaning of "MS" is entirely dependent on context. In a medical context, it means multiple sclerosis. In an academic context, it usually means Master of Science. In publishing, it means manuscript. The capitalized title "Ms." is distinct.

Noun

1. a form of address for a woman
2. the form of a literary work submitted for publication
3. a master's degree in science
4. a state in the Deep South on the gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate States during the American Civil War
5. a chronic progressive nervous disorder involving loss of myelin sheath around certain nerve fibers