As an expert in linguistics and lexicography, I am well-versed in the intricacies of dictionaries and the various symbols and abbreviations they employ. The letter "N" in a dictionary can serve multiple purposes, and understanding its meaning depends on the context in which it is used. Here, I will explore the various ways "N" can be interpreted within a dictionary entry. 1. Abbreviation for "Noun": The most common use of "N" in a dictionary is as an abbreviation for the word "noun." Nouns are a part of speech that represent a person, place, thing, or idea. When you see "N" following a word in a dictionary, it often indicates that the word is a noun or can function as a noun in a sentence. For instance, the entry for "dog" might read "dog (N)," signifying that "dog" is a noun. 2. Indicating Plurality: In some dictionaries, "N" may be used to denote that the word is typically used in the plural form. This is particularly helpful when the plural form of a word is irregular or differs significantly from the singular form. For example, "children" is the plural form of "child," and you might see "children (N plural)" in a dictionary to indicate this. 3. Regional Usage: "N" can also stand for "northern" or "northerner" when used in the context of regional dialects or terms that are specific to a certain geographical area. This usage is less common but can be found in dictionaries that aim to capture the nuances of regional language. 4. Variable Noun: The term "variable noun" mentioned in your prompt is a less conventional use and might not be widely recognized in standard dictionaries. However, in a more technical or specialized context, "N" could theoretically represent a variable noun, which is a term used in linguistics to describe a noun that can take on different forms or meanings depending on the context. 5. Usage as an Abbreviation: Beyond its linguistic uses, "N" can also serve as an abbreviation for words starting with the letter "N" or "n," such as "north," "northern," or "noun," as mentioned in the COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. This is a practical way to save space in a dictionary, especially when the word is well-known or the context makes its meaning clear. 6. Phonetic Transcription: In phonetic dictionaries or entries, "N" might represent a specific sound in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). For example, the "N" sound in "no" or "knee" would be transcribed using the corresponding IPA symbol. 7. Grammatical Number: In some cases, "N" might be used to indicate the grammatical number of a word, particularly in languages that have a complex system of noun classes or numbers. This usage is more common in dictionaries of non-English languages. 8. Colloquial or Slang: Lastly, "N" could be used to denote that a word is colloquial or slang. Dictionaries often aim to provide a comprehensive view of language, including informal and non-standard uses, and "N" might be used to flag such entries. In conclusion, the letter "N" in a dictionary can have various meanings, and its interpretation depends on the context and the specific dictionary's conventions. Whether it's indicating a noun, denoting plurality, or signifying regional or colloquial usage, "N" serves as a versatile and informative symbol within the pages of a dictionary. read more >>

variable noun. N is the fourteenth letter of the English alphabet. N or n is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with N or n, such as 'north', 'northern', or 'noun'. COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary.read more >>