from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
F \F\ ([e^]f).
1. F is the sixth letter of the English alphabet, and a
nonvocal consonant. Its form and sound are from the Latin.
The Latin borrowed the form from the Greek digamma ?,
which probably had the value of English w consonant. The
form and value of Greek letter came from the Ph[oe]nician,
the ultimate source being probably Egyptian.
Etymologically f is most closely related to p, k, v, and
b; as in E. five, Gr. pe`nte; E. wolf, L. lupus, Gr.
ly`kos; E. fox, vixen; fragile, break; fruit, brook, v.
t.; E. bear, L. ferre. See Guide to Pronunciation,
[sect][sect] 178, 179, 188, 198, 230.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mus.) The name of the fourth tone of the model scale, or
scale of C. F sharp (F [sharp]) is a tone intermediate
between F and G.
[1913 Webster]
{F clef}, the bass clef. See under {Clef}.
[1913 Webster]