G (jē) 1. G is the seventh letter of the English alphabet, and a vocal consonant. It has two sounds; one simple, as in gave, go, gull; the other compound (like that of
j), as in
gem, gin, dingy. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 231-6, 155, 176, 178,
179, 196, 211, 246.
The form of G is from the Latin, in the
alphabet which it first appeared as a modified form of C. The name is also from the
Latin, and probably comes to us through
the French. Etymologically it is most closely related to a c hard, k y,
and w; as in corn, grain, kernel; kin L. genus, Gr. &?;; E. garden, yard; drag, draw; also to
ch and h; as in get, prehensile; guest, host (an army); gall, choler; gust,
choose. See C.
2. (Mus.) G is the name of the fifth tone of
the natural or model scale; -- called also sol by the
Italians and French. It was also originally used as the treble clef, and has
gradually changed into the character represented in the margin. See Clef. G♯ (G sharp) is a tone intermediate between G and
A.
Hear it pronounced