moon letter

noun

, Arabic Grammar.

1. any letter, as bā or mīm, representing a consonant that does not assimilate the l of a prefixed definite article.

Word History and Origins

Origin of moon letter¹

Translation of Arabic al-ḥuruf al-qamorīyah, so called from the use of al-qamar (the moon) to illustrate nonassimilation of l in al the

Example Sentences

The "red moon" letter seemed to have caught her on the wing—at her highest and happiest—for she answered it in fine faith and lightness.

From Project Gutenberg