inverted comma

Meanings

1. A type of paired quotation mark: ‘ or “ (beginning the quoted material) and ’ or ” (ending it).

Etymology

From the appearance of an inverted comma. In lead type, an opening quote is not a separate casting. It is the result of rotating a comma 180°, inverting the comma. It is used singly or as double quotes. Similarly, the closing quotation mark is the apostrophe. Also used singly or as double quotes.