M

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

m
    adj 1: denoting a quantity consisting of 1,000 items or units
           [syn: {thousand}, {one thousand}, {1000}, {m}, {k}]
    n 1: the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme
         International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards) [syn:
         {meter}, {metre}, {m}]
    2: concentration measured by the number of moles of solute per
       liter of solution [syn: {molarity}, {molar concentration},
       {M}]
    3: the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100 [syn:
       {thousand}, {one thousand}, {1000}, {M}, {K}, {chiliad}, {G},
       {grand}, {thou}, {yard}]
    4: a unit of information equal to 1000 kilobytes or 10^6
       (1,000,000) bytes [syn: {megabyte}, {M}, {MB}]
    5: a unit of information equal to 1024 kibibytes or 2^20
       (1,048,576) bytes [syn: {megabyte}, {mebibyte}, {M}, {MB},
       {MiB}]
    6: the 13th letter of the Roman alphabet [syn: {M}, {m}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

M \M\, n.
   1. (Print.) A quadrat, the face or top of which is a perfect
      square; also, the size of such a square in any given size
      of type, used as the unit of measurement for that type:
      500 m's of pica would be a piece of matter whose length
      and breadth in pica m's multiplied together produce that
      number. [Written also {em}.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (law) A brand or stigma, having the shape of an M,
      formerly impressed on one convicted of manslaughter and
      admitted to the benefit of clergy.
      [1913 Webster]

   {M roof} (Arch.), a kind of roof formed by the junction of
      two common roofs with a valley between them, so that the
      section resembles the letter M.
      [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

M \M\ ([e^]m).
   1. M, the thirteenth letter of the English alphabet, is a
      vocal consonant, and from the manner of its formation, is
      called the labio-nasal consonant. See Guide to
      Pronunciation, [sect][sect] 178-180, 242.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: The letter M came into English from the Greek, through
         the Latin, the form of the Greek letter being further
         derived from the Ph[oe]nician, and ultimately, it is
         believed, from the Egyptian. Etymologically M is
         related to n, in lime, linden; emmet, ant; also to b.
         [1913 Webster] M is readily followed by b and p. the
         position of the lips in the formation of both letters
         being the same. The relation of b and m is the same as
         that of d and t to n. and that of g and k to ng.
         [1913 Webster]

   2. As a numeral, M stands for one thousand, both in English
      and Latin.
      [1913 Webster]

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

M
 pref.

   [SI] See {quantifiers}.

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

M

   1. Alternative name for {MUMPS}.

   2. A {C}-like language from {Silicon Compiler Systems} for
   multilevel {hardware description}.  It is currently available
   in the {GDT} package from {Mentor Graphics}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1994-10-26)

   3. <unit> The abbreviated for of {mega-}.

   (1995-01-10)

from Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)

M. When persons were convicted of manslaughter in England, they were 
formerly marked with this letter on the brawn of the thumb. 
     2. This letter is sometimes put on the face of treasury notes of the 
United States, and signifies that the treasury note bears interest at the 
rate of one mill per centum, and not one per centum interest. 13 Peters, 
176.