L (el).
1.
L is the twelfth letter of the English alphabet, and a vocal consonant. It is usually called a semivowel or liquid. Its form and value are from the Greek, through the Latin, the form of the Greek letter being from the Phœnician, and the ultimate origin prob. Egyptian. Etymologically, it is most closely related to r and u; as in pilgrim, peregrine, couch (fr. collocare), aubura (fr. LL. alburnus).
At the end of monosyllables containing a single vowel, it is often doubled, as in fall, full, bell; but not after digraphs, as in foul, fool, prowl, growl, foal. In English words, the terminating syllable le is unaccented, the e is silent, and l is preceded by a voice glide, as in able, eagle, pronounced A"b'l, E"g'l. See Guide to Pronunciation, § 241.
2.
As a numeral, L stands for fifty in the English, as in the Latin language.
For 50 the Romans used the Chalcidian chi, &?;, which assumed the less difficult lapidary type, &?;, and was then easily assimilated to L.
I. Taylor (The Alphabet).
© Webster 1913
L (el), n.
1.
An extension at right angles to the length of a main building, giving to the ground plan a form resembling the letter L; sometimes less properly applied to a narrower, or lower, extension in the direction of the length of the main building; a wing. [Written also ell.]
© Webster 1913
L, a.
1.
Having the general shape of the (capital) letter L; as, an L beam, or L-beam.
2.
Elevated; -- a symbol for el. as an abbreviation of elevated in elevated road or railroad. -- n.
An elevated road; as, to ride on the L. [Colloq., U. S.]
© Webster 1913