—adj.
1 a Printing of the sloping kind of letters now used esp. for emphasis or distinction and in foreign words. b (of handwriting) compact and pointed like early Italian handwriting.
2 (Italic) of ancient Italy.
—n.
1 a letter in italic type.
2 this type.
Etymology: L italicus f. Gk italikos Italian (because introduced by Aldo Manuzio of Venice)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.