solidus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical (Numismatics, Typography)
Quick answer
What does “solidus” mean?
An oblique stroke (/) used to separate related items, especially in dates, fractions, or as a symbol for 'shilling' or 'per'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An oblique stroke (/) used to separate related items, especially in dates, fractions, or as a symbol for 'shilling' or 'per'.
A gold coin of the late Roman Empire; the Latin term for a shilling; a historical term for a diagonal line or slash used in printing and writing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare in both varieties. In British historical contexts, its use for 'shilling' (as in '10/6' for ten shillings and sixpence) is more relevant.
Connotations
Highly learned or specialised; using it outside academic/technical circles may sound pedantic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Most common in specialised texts on typography, ancient history, or coin collecting.
Grammar
How to Use “solidus” in a Sentence
The solidus separates X and Y.A solidus is used for Z.Refer to the phase diagram for the solidus curve.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “solidus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The solidus temperature was carefully calculated.
- A solidus line indicates the boundary.
American English
- The solidus curve is plotted on the diagram.
- Solidus composition varies with pressure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. 'Slash' or 'per' are standard (e.g., cost/unit).
Academic
Used in specific disciplines: typography (for the / character), history/archaeology (for the coin), materials science (for the solidus line in phase diagrams).
Everyday
Extremely rare. The common term is 'slash'.
Technical
The precise term for the / character in typography and computing. Also a key term in metallurgy/chemistry for the temperature below which a substance is completely solid.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “solidus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “solidus”
- Pronouncing it /səˈlaɪ.dəs/ (like 'solid' + 'us').
- Using it in everyday conversation instead of 'slash'.
- Confusing it with the backslash (\) character.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is the formal, technical term used primarily in typography, computing, and academic writing. In everyday language, 'slash' or 'forward slash' is preferred.
It comes from Latin, where it meant 'solid'. It was the name of a late Roman gold coin. The use for the '/' symbol arose because the mark was used in abbreviations for 'shilling' (from 'solidus').
Only if you are writing in a highly technical or historical context where precise terminology is required (e.g., a paper on typography or Roman history). Otherwise, use 'slash'.
They are synonyms for the same punctuation mark (/). 'Solidus' is more common in British English and technical contexts, while 'virgule' is an older, now less common term.
An oblique stroke (/) used to separate related items, especially in dates, fractions, or as a symbol for 'shilling' or 'per'.
Solidus is usually formal, academic, technical (numismatics, typography) in register.
Solidus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɒl.ɪ.dəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɑː.lɪ.dəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SOLID US coin (a solidus) with a diagonal line (/) stamped across it, linking its two meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIVIDER (physically separating elements on a page or in an amount).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'solidus' be LEAST likely to be used?