Virgule: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'virgule' comes from the Latin word 'virgula,' which means 'little rod' or 'twig.'
• It was first used in the 15th century in Western Europe to denote a punctuation mark.
• In calligraphy, the virgule was often used to denote abbreviation in Latin texts.

Punctuation History

• Before the virgule was popularized, other marks like the comma were often used for separation in written texts.
• By the 17th century, the virgule began to be more commonly used in English and other languages.
• It's sometimes referred to as a slant or forward slash, helping distinguish fields like math, URLs, and more.

Science and Mathematics

• In mathematics, the virgule can denote division, similar to how you might use the division symbol.
• In programming languages, it's often used to indicate file paths or separate commands.
• Scientists often use the virgule in statistics to denote fractions or ratios, making it a vital tool in research.

Pop Culture

• The virgule appears frequently in internet URLs, making it an essential part of web navigation.
• In music, it can indicate a pause or beat transition in written sheet music, highlighting its multifaceted use.
• Many modern social media platforms use the virgule in various forms of communication, making it a staple of online engagement.

Literature

• Writers have used the virgule stylistically in poetry to create unique line breaks or pauses, enhancing the rhythm.
• In some literary texts, it can signify alternatives, giving readers choices in interpretation.
• Certain authors embraced the virgule as a way to experiment with narrative structure, illustrating the evolution of writing techniques.