What does virgule mean?
A virgule is the diagonal stroke used in a fraction to separate its numerator from its denominator, as in 3/4. In typography, the same mark is often called a slash or solidus, but “virgule” is the more specialized mathematical term. The word also has a historical musical use: in French-derived rhythmic notation, a virgule marked the division of a note into shorter values and could serve a role now taken by beaming. Virgules remain uncommon in general prose because modern readers usually call the mark a slash or solidus, though the technical name is precise and useful when discussing fractions, notation, or typography. The term comes through French from the Latin virgula, literally a “little rod,” a diminutive of virga, “rod” or “shoot.” Its surprising history links an ordinary fractional stroke with both the physical image of a slender rod and the specialized conventions of printing and music.
nounA diagonal stroke used to separate the numerator and denominator of a fraction. In historical music notation, a virgule was also a stroke indicating the division of a note into shorter values.
- A diagonal stroke separating the numerator and denominator of a fraction.
- A stroke used in historical French-derived rhythmic notation to indicate the division of a note into shorter values.
"The fraction 3/4 may be typeset with a virgule between the numerator and denominator."
"The fraction 3/4 may be typeset with a virgule between the numerator and denominator."
"In historical French-style rhythmic notation, a virgule marked a note's division into shorter values."
The plural is grammatically regular but rarely needed in ordinary writing.
"The two virgules appear on either side of the numerator."
A virgule is the diagonal slash that turns two numbers into a fraction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of virgule
Virgule was borrowed from French, where it is also the ordinary word for a comma. French virgule came from Latin virgula, a diminutive of virga meaning “rod” or “shoot.” The same Latin root lies behind words such as verge and virgate.
Related word forms
How virgule is actually used
The term is specialized and uncommon in general prose, where “slash” or “solidus” is more usual. In modern French, virgule itself means “comma,” a usage distinct from the specialized English sense.
Easily confused with virgule
A slash is the general name for a diagonal stroke, while a virgule specifically names such a stroke used to separate the numerator and denominator of a fraction.