Word
glyph
UK/ɡlˈɪf/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The designer chose a unique glyph for the company logo.”
“The software allows users to customize the glyph for every letter in the alphabet to create a custom font.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“In a shallow cave high on a cliff in Chalcatzingo, Mexico, scientists documented three red glyphs in the 1980s, but the paintings received relatively little attention.” “However Apple is feeling about menu item glyphs this year, the losers are third-party app developers that went to the effort to follow last year’s guidelines.” Etymology
First attested in 1727. Borrowed from French glyphe, from Ancient Greek γλυφή (gluphḗ, “carving”), from γλύφω (glúphō, “I carve, engrave”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/glyph