Definition

Noun: 1. The 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet (מ, ם): "Mem" is the name of a specific character in the Hebrew writing system. It has two forms: the standard form (מ) used within a word, and a special final form (ם) used when it is the last letter of a word.

Usage

• "Mem" is used specifically when referring to the letter itself in linguistic, academic, or religious contexts, such as when discussing the Hebrew alphabet, its numerical value, or its symbolic meaning.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The word mayim (water) begins and ends with the letter mem.
  • In the Hebrew alphabet, mem comes after lamed and before nun.
  • The letter mem has a numerical value of forty in gematria.

Advanced Usage

• Mem as a Symbol: In Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), the letter is often associated with water (), representing the flow of divine wisdom or the hidden, subconscious realms.

Variants and Related Words

• Mem Sofit (noun): The special final form of the letter mem (ם), used when it appears at the end of a word. Also called "final mem."
  • Example: The word "shalom" (peace) ends with a mem sofit.

Different Meanings

• Mem has no other distinct meanings in general English outside of its reference to the Hebrew letter. It is not to be confused with the common abbreviation "mem" for "member" in informal digital communication (e.g., "new mem" in a group chat).

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for "mem" as a proper noun naming a specific letter. One can only describe it as "the 13th Hebrew letter."

Idioms

• There are no common English idioms containing the word "mem."

Phrasal Verbs

• Not applicable, as "mem" is a noun.

Noun

1. the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet