Mu

/mjuː/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The twelfth letter of the Greek alphabet (Μ, μ), used in various contexts in science and mathematics.

In physics, mu is often used to represent the coefficient of friction.

A symbol in statistics representing the population mean.

The value of mu indicated that the average test score was higher than expected.

In Buddhist philosophy, 'mu' is a term meaning 'nothing' or 'not' used in the context of Zen koans.

The master asked if a dog has Buddha nature, to which the student replied 'mu.'

verb

To express the sound 'mu', often used to refer to the sound a cow makes.

The cow mued softly as I approached the barn.

Greek 'mu', the name of the letter M in the Greek alphabet.

mu about

To be noncommittal or ambiguous.

mu state

A condition of indecision or neutrality.

mute

To silence or reduce sound.

murmur

A soft, indistinct sound made by a person or group of people.

A vague or non-specific response.

When I asked about the plans, she just said 'mu.'

An expression of confusion or uncertainty.

He looked at me with a 'mu' when I asked him the question.