ENGLISH
REFERENCE

glyph

n. countable
C1 Advanced UK //ɡlˈɪf// glyph

n. a single character or symbol in a writing system. In computing, it refers to the specific shape of a character on a screen or in a font.

n. a single character or symbol in a writing system, especially one that represents a word or a syllable. In digital typography, it refers to the specific visual representation of a character in a particular font.


SIMPLE

The designer chose a unique glyph for the company logo.

CONTEXTUAL

The software allows users to customize the glyph for every letter in the alphabet to create a custom font.

COMPLEX

While the Unicode standard defines the abstract character, the actual glyph displayed on a screen depends entirely on the specific font chosen by the user.

Origin

First attested in 1727. Borrowed from French glyphe, from Ancient Greek γλυφή (gluphḗ, “carving”), from γλύφω (glúphō, “I carve, engrave”).

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