Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to a style of writing using large, rounded letters that resemble modern capital letters but are often more curved and connected. This style was used in ancient Greek and Latin manuscripts.
2. Noun:
   • A letter written in this style.
   • A manuscript or script written in this style.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The scribe used a beautiful uncial hand to copy the text.
  • This early Bible features distinctive uncial lettering.
• Noun:
  • The manuscript is written in a formal uncial.
  • This uncial dates from the 5th century.

Advanced Usage

• Uncial script is a specific term in paleography (the study of ancient writing) for this majuscule (all-capital) writing style used from roughly the 4th to the 8th centuries AD.
• The transition from uncial to minuscule (smaller, cursive) script was a major development in the history of writing.

Variants and Related Words

• Half-uncial (noun): A later, transitional script that mixes uncial letter forms with features of minuscule scripts.
• Majuscule (noun/adjective): A general term for scripts using capital letters, encompassing uncial styles.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Majuscule, capital.
• Noun: Majuscule, capital letter.

Notes on Different Meanings

The word functions primarily as a technical term in historical and paleographic contexts. Its meanings are closely related: 1. The adjective describes the characteristic style of the letters or manuscripts. 2. The noun refers to the physical letters or the script style itself.

Adjective

1. relating to or written in majuscule letters (which resemble modern capitals)
   • uncial letters

Noun

1. a style of orthography characterized by somewhat rounded capital letters; found especially in Greek and Latin manuscripts of the 4th to 8th centuries