P, or p, the 15th letter and 11th consonant of the alphabet; the sound of which is formed by expressing the breath somewhat more suddenly than in forming the sound of b; in other respects these two sounds are pretty much alike, and are often confounded one with another. When p stands before t or f, its sound is lost; as in the words psalms, psychology, ptolemaic, ptisan, &c. When placed before b, they both together have the sound of f; as in philosophy, physics, &c.
As an abbreviation, P stands for Publius, Pondo, &c. P.A.DIG. for Patricia Dignitas; P.C. for Patres Conscripti; P.F. for Publii Filius; P.P. for Propositum, or Propositum publice; P.R. for Populus Romanus; P.R.S. for Prætoris sententia, P.R.S.P. for Præses provinciae.
In the Italian music, P stands for piano, or "softly;" and P.P. for pianissimo, or "very softly."
Among astronomers, P.M. is used to denote post meridiem, or afternoon.
Among physicians, P. stands for pugil, or the eighth part of an handful, P.Æ. partes æquales, or equal parts of the ingredients; P.P. signifies pulvis patrum, or Jesuit's bark in powder; and ppt. præparatus, or prepared.
As a numeral, P signifies the same with G, viz. 400; and with a dash over it thus, , 400,000.