z, the twenty-sixth and last letter of the english alphabet, is a vocal consonant. it is taken from the latin letter z, which came from the greek alphabet, this having it from a semitic source. the ultimate origin is probably egyptian. etymologically, it is most closely related to s, y, and j; as in glass, glaze; e. yoke, gr. /, l. yugum; e. zealous, jealous.  see guide to pronunciation, // 273, 274.