uncial

1 of 2

adjective

un·​cial ˈən(t)-shəl  -sē-əl 

: written in the style or size of uncials

uncially adverb

uncial

2 of 2

noun

1

: a handwriting used especially in Greek and Latin manuscripts of the fourth to the eighth centuries a.d. and made with somewhat rounded separated majuscules but having cursive forms for some letters

2

: an uncial letter

3

: a manuscript written in uncial

Illustration of uncial

• uncials

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Late Latin unciales (litterae) uncial (letters), from Latin, plural of uncialis weighing an ounce, from uncia twelfth part, ounce — more at ounce

First Known Use

Adjective

1712, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1