P

P, the sixteenth letter of the English alphabet, is a consonant of the labial series, and is formed by a close compression of the anterior part of the lips. As may be ascertained from inscriptions and coins, the Latin form of this letter, which we have adopted, originated in shortening and bending round the right leg of the Greek Π, the character representative of the hard labial in that language. (See ALPHABET, with Plates XIX. XX. and XXI. corresponding.) P is liable to be converted with all labials, and is not unfrequently interchangeable with other letters. The soft labial B is most frequently convertible with this letter, however, of which we have examples in nearly all languages, and especially in the German. In addition to the labials m, v, f, pf, P is likewise occasionally interchangeable with c, k, q, with t, and with pt. When P is aspirated or followed by an h, it is equivalent to the Greek φ, and corresponds in sound with the English f, as in physic, philosophy, &c. In some words borrowed from the Greek, the letter P is mute, as in psalm, ptisan, &c. If we may judge from the line of Ugutio, P stood for 100 among the ancients; for he says "P similem cum C numerum monstratur habere." Baronius, however, is inclined to think that it represented T. With a dash over it (P̄), it stood for 400,000. Among the Greeks π̄ was used for 80, and π for 80,000; but on inscriptions Π stood for 5 (πὶντε). Among physicians P stands for pugil, or the eighth part of a handful; P.E., partes aquales, or equal parts of the ingredients; P.P., puleis panum, or Jesuits' bark in powder; and ppt., preparatus, or prepared. In music p. stands for piano, or softly; pp., for pia piano, or more softly; and ppp. for pianissimo, or very softly. In printing, p. stands for page, and pp. for pages. (For other abbreviations of P, see the article ABBREVIATIONS.)