Anatomy of Type

Anatomy of Type Ascender - The part of some lowercase letters (such as b, h or d) which ascends above than the x-height. Descender - The part of some lowercase letters (such as y, p or q) that descends below the baseline. In some typefaces, even uppercase letters like J or Q may descend below the baseline. Terminal - Not a serif but a curved stroke usually apparent on the tail or stem of some letters (such as j, y, r and a) Stem - The main vertical stroke(s) of a letter (most evident in I and H) Two-story character - Letter that has two counter spaces where one is above the other. Serif - Small, finishing strokes on the arms, stems and tails of characters. Traditionally, Serif typefaces are considered better for large volumes of text because the serifs make it easier for eye to move along, horizontally.

More Type Terminology Apex - The uppermost point of a character where the vertical strokes meet. There are different apex types such as rounded, pointed, hallow, flat and extended. Bar (Crossbar) - Horizontal stroke or arm that connect two stems (as in H or A) Arm - Unattached horizontal stroke (as in F or E) The sloping stroke in the letter K would also be considered an arm. Counter - The enclosed (or partially enclosed) space within letters such as c, e, S, H or g. Bowl - The enclosed oval or round curve of letters like D, g, b, and o. In contrast to a closed-bowl, an open bowl's stroke does not meet with the stem completely. Ear - Small finishing stroke that projects from the upper right side of the bowl (as in many versions of the lowercase g)