em

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a quad with a square body
  2. noun a linear unit (1/6 inch) used in printing

Etymology

Attested since 1808. In typography, the em is named after the em quadrat (later called em quad), from m quadrat, a metal type used in letterpress typesetting, which is as wide as the point size of the font.

In classic literature

Synonyms

em quad, mutton quad

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