User:Sigm@

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Sigma (uppercase Σ, lowercase σ, lowercase in word-final position ς) is the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals it has a value of 200. When used at the end of a word, and the word is not upper case, the final form (ς) is used.

The letter is ultimately derived from Phoenician Sin. However, its name derives from Samekh.

In Eastern forms of Greek writing (as opposed to the Western Greek alphabet used in the European Greek colonies) and in the Middle Ages, the lunate sigma — which resembles, but which is not at all related to, the Latin letter C — was often used. Lunate sigma was frequently used for writing Medieval Greek, and it can still sometimes be seen in inscriptions in Greek Orthodox churches, but also in certain printed editions of classical authors. The form of the Cyrillic letter C s and Coptic letter sima are derived from lunate sigma.

On coins from the Hellenistic period in India, the script of later coins sometimes use lunate signa. This was possibly due to Latin influence.

A dotted lunate sigma, sigma periestigmenon, is used by Aristarchus of Samothrace as an editorial sign indicating that the line so marked is at an incorrect position. Similarly, an antisigma may mark a line that is out of place. A dotted antisigma (antisigma periestigmenon, may indicate a line after which rearrangements should be made, or to variant readings of uncertain priority.

The uppercase form of sigma was borrowed into the Latin alphabet to serve as the uppercase of esh.

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Who am I?

 * Name: Stephen
 * Age: Almost 16
 * Country: The Netherlands
 * Profession: Student
 * music: | Justin Timberlake - What goes around (comes around) great song!

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-- Sig mA   14:35, 5 March 2007 (CST)

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