Y

Y Y (w[imac]). Y, the twenty-fifth letter of the English alphabet, at the beginning of a word or syllable, except when a prefix (see Y-), is usually a fricative vocal consonant; as a prefix, and usually in the middle or at the end of a syllable, it is a vowel. See Guide to Pronunciation, [sect][sect] 145, 178-9, 272. [1913 Webster]

Note: It derives its form from the Latin Y, which is from the Greek [Upsilon], originally the same letter as V. Etymologically, it is most nearly related to u, i, o, and j. g; as in full, fill, AS. fyllan; E. crypt, grotto; young, juvenile; day, AS. d[ae]g. See {U}, {I}, and {J}, {G}. [1913 Webster]

Note: Y has been called the Pythagorean letter, because the Greek letter [Upsilon] was taken represent the sacred triad, formed by the duad proceeding from the monad; and also because it represents the dividing of the paths of vice and virtue in the development of human life. [1913 Webster]