letter
/ˈletə(r); `lɛtɚ/ n
1 [C] written or printed sign representing a sound used in speech 字母
`B' is the second letter of the alphabet. B是字母表中的第二个字母.
Fill in your answers in capital letters, not small letters. 答案用大写字母填写, 不要用小写字母.
2 [C] written message addressed to a person or an organization, usu in an envelope, and sent by post 信
Are there any letters for me? 有我的信吗?
Please inform me by letter of your plans. 请来信把你的计划告诉我. =>App 3 见附录3.
3 letters [pl]
(dated or fml 旧或文) literature as a profession or an academic study 文学; 文学研究
the profession of letters 文学家的职业
a man/woman of letters 男[女]文学家.
4 (idm 习语) a bread-and-butter letter => bread. a dead letter => dead. the ,letter of the `law the exact requirements or form of words of a law, rule, etc (as opposed to its general meaning or spirit) 法律、 规则等的字面意义（与其整体意义或精神相对）. to the `letter paying strict attention to every detail 严密周详地; 一丝不苟地
carry out an order to the letter 严格执行命令
keep to the letter of an agreement, a contract, etc 严格遵照协议、 合同等的条文办事.