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R, or r, is the eighteenth letter in the English alphabet, coming after Q and before S. As a consonant, ‘R’ is pronounced with a distinctive sound created by the vibration of the vocal cords, heard in words like ‘rabbit’ or ‘rain.’ Apart from its role in forming words, ‘R’ holds significance in various domains. In mathematics, ‘R’ often represents the set of real numbers, encompassing all rational and irrational numbers, crucial for mathematical analysis and modeling real-world phenomena. ‘R’ is fundamental in scientific notation, where it symbolizes gas constant in chemistry or resistance in electrical circuits. In everyday language, ‘R’ is prevalent in idiomatic expressions such as “raining cats and dogs” or “running late,” demonstrating its ubiquitous presence and influence on communication.
The letter ‘R’ has a fascinating history, reflecting its evolution across different cultures and scripts. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Phoenician alphabet, where it likely represented a head, as suggested by its original name, “resh.” The Greeks adopted this symbol as “rho,” maintaining its basic shape but altering its pronunciation. The Romans later borrowed the Greek letter and integrated it into their Latin alphabet, where it became the ‘R’ we use today. Throughout its journey, ‘R’ has retained its distinctive sound, symbolizing the vibration of the vocal cords that creates its pronunciation. This evolution highlights the ever-changing landscape of language and the lasting impact of symbols such as ‘R’ in human communication.
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External links
- R – Wikipedia
- R | Letter, History, Etymology, & Pronunciation – Britannica
- R – Wiktionary
- R (letter) – The Free Dictionary
- R definition in American English – Collins Dictionary
- R Definition & Meaning – YourDictionary
- R Definition & Usage Examples – Dictionary.com
- R – Definition, Meaning & Synonyms – Vocabulary.com
- R, r | definition – Cambridge Dictionary
- R – Encyclopedia.com
- r – definition and meaning – Wordnik
Deep
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