virgule
Definition
Noun: A punctuation mark (/) used to separate related items of information within a line of text. It is a short, diagonal stroke.
Usage
The virgule is used to indicate a separation or a choice between words, numbers, or phrases. It functions as a compact alternative to words like "or," "and," or "per."
Examples
- Please indicate your title: Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr.
- The speed limit is 120 km/h (kilometers per hour).
- For the recipe, you will need 1/2 cup of sugar.
- The student/teacher conference is scheduled for Friday.
- Read chapters 5/6 for the next class.
Advanced Usage
- In poetry and prose quotations written in running text, a virgule (often with spaces) can mark line breaks.
- Example: The line "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, / And sorry I could not travel both" is famous.
- In certain linguistic or phonetic transcriptions, it can separate phonemes or other elements.
- It can denote a fraction, as shown in the examples.
Variants and Related Words
- Slash: The most common modern synonym for "virgule." While "virgule" is the formal term, "slash" is used in everyday language.
- Solidus: A more technical term, often used in historical, typographical, or currency contexts (e.g., the old British pre-decimal currency used a solidus, as in "£1/2/6" for one pound, two shillings, and sixpence).
- Forward Slash: A term used in computing to distinguish it from the backslash ().
Synonyms
- Slash
- Stroke (chiefly British English)
- Diagonal
- Separatrix (rare)
Related Phrases
- And/or: A common legal and formal construction using the virgule to indicate inclusivity.
- Example: The document must be signed by the director and/or the manager.
- He/she: A construction using the virgule to indicate gender options, though now often replaced by "they" for singular, gender-neutral reference.
Noun
-
a punctuation mark (/) used to separate related items of information
