Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

descender

Noun

/dɪˈsɛndər/

Definition

A descender refers to the part of a lowercase letter that extends below the baseline of a font.

Examples

The letter ‘g’ has a distinct descender that makes it easily recognizable.
In calligraphy, the way a descender is formed can affect the overall aesthetic of the text.

Meaning

In typography, it specifically denotes the vertical stroke of letters such as ‘g’, ‘j’, ‘p’, ‘q’, and ‘y’ which drop below the main body of the letter.