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Glossary A

Axis

A design feature of rounded characters, shaped by the thinning of their strokes. In traditional typefaces the axis is said to be inclined, in intermediary and recent designs, it is usually said to be vertical.

Apex

The point in time of two converging strokes, generally at or close to the top of a character, as in A, M, N, W, and w.

Arm

small horizontal or slanting strokes projecting from a stem, as in the letters E, F, L, T, and Y and the higher correct strokes of K and k. Some authors make use of this word to refer only to horizontal strokes projecting from a stem.

Ascender line

A horizontal guideline representing where the tops of ascenders become visible to align. This ascender line is often referred to in an imaginary sense.