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.