| the alphabetical script derived from the Greek alphabet through Etruscan, used from about the 6th century b.c. for the writing of Latin, and since adopted, with modifications and additions of letters such as w, by the languages of Western Europe, including English, as well as many other languages. |
| Latin alphabet n. The Roman alphabet adopted from the Greek by way of the Etruscan alphabet, consisting of 23 letters and forming the basis of numerous alphabets around the world, including those of modern western Europe. Also called Roman alphabet. |
Ro·man alphabet  (rō'mən)  n. See Latin alphabet. |
