MHB Why is the letter m used for slope instead of s?

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The letter "m" is used to represent slope in mathematics, though the specific reason for this choice is not definitively established. Some suggest that "m" may derive from the French word "monter," meaning "to climb." The letter "s" is typically reserved for other mathematical concepts, such as arc length in calculus. A prior inquiry on the same topic indicates ongoing curiosity about the notation. Ultimately, the use of "m" for slope remains a convention without a universally accepted explanation.
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Why is the lower case letter m used to represent slope?

Doesn't it make more sense to use the letter s to represent slope, you know, s for slope?
 
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In Calculus, "s" usually denotes curve length, at least as I am familiar with it. A quick web search fails to turn up any specific reason as to why slope is denoted "m".
 
http://mathhelpboards.com/pre-calculus-21/letter-m-slope-20683.html

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I forgot that I had already asked this question back in February 2017.
 

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