Type Anatomy
Letterforms
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Glossary
Apex
Last modified on 2009-06-12 21:42:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A juncture where two strokes meet at the top of the letterform. There are several types of apices:
Pointed – The strokes meet at a single angle
Flat – A horizontal edge interrupts the strokes
Oblique – A sloped edge interrupts the strokes
Rounded – The strokes smoothly meet
Hallowed – Similar to a flat or oblique apex only the edge is concave rather than straight
Extended – Unidirectional or bidirectional serifs that create an edge to the apex wider than a flat one
There is also a special type of this juncture known as a cusp, created when one of the stems extends slightly beyond the apex.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Arm
Last modified on 2009-10-13 13:57:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A short straight stroke extending from a terminal or juncture of a stem to a free terminal. An arm will either run parallel to the baseline or angle away from it.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Ascender
Last modified on 2009-07-24 21:50:41 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
The portion of the stem of a miniscule letterform that extends above the x-height of the typeface.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Bar
Last modified on 2009-10-13 14:23:33 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A short straight stroke that connects the terminal of a bowl to a juncture on a stem or other part of the bowl.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Bow
Last modified on 2009-07-24 22:02:10 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A short segment that smoothly transitions a stroke from a horizontal direction to a vertical at the bottom of the letterform.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Bowl
Last modified on 2009-10-13 14:24:24 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A rounded stroke that connects to a stem, a bar, or has at least one free terminal.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Cross Stroke
Last modified on 2009-06-12 21:43:10 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A stroke that passes through the letter’s stem such that either one or both terminals do not end in a juncture.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Crossbar
Last modified on 2009-07-24 21:58:47 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A stroke that connects two stems or a stem and a hairline and does not terminate at an apex or vertex. A crossbar that is not horizontal is referred to as sloped. There are no vertical crossbars.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Double Storey
Last modified on 2009-10-13 14:24:43 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Indicates a letterform with two counters stacked vertically. Only used as a descriptor for the letterform in cases where a single storey variant exists.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Hairline
Last modified on 2009-06-12 21:44:39 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A main stroke of the letterform that, in a letter without an element of contrast, would otherwise be considered a stem.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Knot
Last modified on 2009-07-24 21:59:26 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A juncture on the letterform where three terminals meet or where two junctures are within close proximity.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Shoulder
Last modified on 2009-07-24 21:46:50 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A short segment that smoothly transitions a stroke from a horizontal direction to a vertical at the top of the letterform.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Single Storey
Last modified on 2009-10-13 14:25:04 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Indicates a letterform with a single counter. Only used as a descriptor for the letterform in cases where a double storey variant exists.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Stem
Last modified on 2009-10-13 14:13:45 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
The main straight stroke or strokes of the letterform. The stroke must land on or pass through the baseline to be called a stem. The stem may be upright or sloped.
LETTERS WITH THIS FEATURE
Terminal
Last modified on 2009-07-23 19:04:17 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Visual reference of terminals (Not yet available.)
The endpoint of a stroke. Every stroke has two terminals. If a terminal meets a midpoint of a stroke or another terminal, it is called a juncture. If two terminals meet a midpoint of a stroke or another terminal, it is called a knot. If a terminal does not connect to any other part of the letterform it is called free.
There are several types of terminals:
Ball – A terminal that abruptly ends with a circular flourish.
Beak – A cove with its own serif.
Cove – A flared finishing stroke. Plain, square, or rounded, with either an acute or obtuse stress.
Finial – A terminal that tapers to a point or a small endcap.
Horizontal – The endcap of the stroke is parallel to the baseline.
Hooked – The stroke quickly but smoothly changes direction.
Oblique – The endcap of the stroke is angled compared to the baseline.
Sheared – The endcap of the stroke flares out at an angle.
Serifed – A short angular finishing stroke introduced with inscriptional typefaces.
Spur – A small point that follows the stroke through a juncture.
Teardrop – A terminal that gradually swells to a circular or oval endcap.
Vertical – The endcap of the stroke is perpendicular to the baseline.
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