W

W, 23rd letter in the English alphabet. The character is derived from a ligature rather than a letter, as is implied by its name, double u. In uttering the sound of w, as in the word wit, the vocal cords are set in vibration, with the lips in position for the oo of pool. In the old combination wr, the symbol w has been preserved; however, its sound has been lost, as in the words wrench, wrong, and wrist. The letter combination cw has become qu, as in quoth, from Old English cwethen. The w is occasionally silent, as in whole, and is useful for distinguishing the word from the homophone hole.