·- As a numeral D stands for 500. in this use it is not the initial of any word, or even strictly a letter, but one half of the sign / (or / ) the original Tuscan numeral for 1000.
II. D ·- The nominal of the second tone in the model major scale (that in C), or of the fourth tone in the relative minor scale of C (that in A minor), or of the key tone in the relative minor of F.
III. D ·- The fourth letter of the English alphabet, and a vocal consonant. The English letter is from Latin, which is from Greek, which took it from Ph/nician, the probable ultimate origin being Egyptian. It is related most nearly to t and th; as, ·Eng. deep, G. tief; ·Eng. daughter, G. tochter, ·Gr. qyga``thr, ·Skr. duhitr. ·see Guide to Pronunciation, Ã178, 179, 229.