1. M, the thirteenth letter of the English alphabet, is a vocal consonant, and from the manner of its formation, is called the labio-nasal consonant. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 178-180, 242. [ 1913 Webster ]

The letter M came into English from the Greek, through the Latin, the form of the Greek letter being further derived from the Phœnician, and ultimately, it is believed, from the Egyptian. Etymologically M is related to n, in lime, linden; emmet, ant; also to b. [ 1913 Webster ] M is readily followed by b and p. the position of the lips in the formation of both letters being the same. The relation of b and m is the same as that of d and t to n. and that of g and k to ng. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. As a numeral, M stands for one thousand, both in English and Latin. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. (Print.) A quadrat, the face or top of which is a perfect square; also, the size of such a square in any given size of type, used as the unit of measurement for that type: 500 m's of pica would be a piece of matter whose length and breadth in pica m's multiplied together produce that number. [ Written also em. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (law) A brand or stigma, having the shape of an M, formerly impressed on one convicted of manslaughter and admitted to the benefit of clergy. [ 1913 Webster ]

M roof (Arch.), a kind of roof formed by the junction of two common roofs with a valley between them, so that the section resembles the letter M. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The narrowest measure of the money supply, comprising the currency in circulation plus demand deposits or checking account balances. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. A semiautomatic rifle which was standard issue to infantrymen in the United States Army in the mid-20th century.
Syn. -- Garand rifle, Garand, M-1 rifle. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. A measure of the money supply broader than M1 but narrower than M3, comprising M1 plus net time deposits (other than large certificates of deposit). [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. A broad measure of the money supply, comprising M2 plus deposits at nonbanks such as savings and loan associations. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ Cf. Mamma. ] 1. A child's word for mother. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. [ Hind. ] In Oriental countries, a respectful form of address given to a woman; mother. Balfour (Cyc. of India). [ 1913 Webster ]

‖ conj. [ It. ] (Mus.) But; -- used in cautionary phrases; as, “Vivace, ma non troppo presto” (i. e., lively, but not too quick). Moore (Encyc. of Music). [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See New a gull. ] (Zool.) The common European gull (Larus canus); -- called also mar. See New, a gull. [ 1913 Webster ]

obs. p. p. of Make. Made. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]