MUTE, in Grammar, a letter which yields no sound without the addition of a vowel. The simple consonants are distinguished into mutes and liquids, or semi-vowels. See the articles CONSONANT, LIQUID, &c.
The mutes in the Greek alphabet are nine, three of which, viz. π, ρ, τ, are termed tenuis; three β, γ, δ, termed media; and three φ, χ, ψ, termed aspirata. See the article ASPIRATE, &c.
The mutes of the Latin alphabet are also nine, viz. B, C, D, G, I, K, P, Q, T.