virgule

punctuation

Also known as: diagonal, slash, solidus

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "virgule" refers to a slash mark (/). It is also known as a division sign, particularly when used to indicate division or a fraction. The word "virgule" originates from the Latin word "virgula," meaning "small rod". This punctuation mark has been in use since at least 1837. While "virgule" specifically denotes the slash, "virgula" has other meanings, including biological terms related to graptolites and cercariae.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

punctuation
Punctuation in Greek and Latin to 1600
…elevatus are joined by the virgule (/) as an alternative form of light stop. Vernacular literature followed the less formal types of Latin literature; and the printers, as usual, followed the scribes. The first printed texts of the Bible and the liturgy are, as a rule, carefully punctuated on the…
Read More
…elevatus are joined by the virgule (/) as an alternative form of light stop. Vernacular literature followed the less formal types of Latin literature; and the printers, as usual, followed the scribes. The first printed texts of the Bible and the liturgy are, as a rule, carefully punctuated on the…
Read More