em

UK: em | US: em

Definition

  1. n. the letter "M" (in printing or phonetics)

  2. n. a unit of measurement in typography, equal to the width of the capital letter "M" in a given font

Structure

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Etymology

The word "em" originates from the Latin name for the letter "M." In typography, it became a unit of measurement because the letter "M" historically occupied a square space in metal type, making it a convenient reference for width. The term reflects the practical adaptation of alphabetical elements into technical standards.

Examples

  1. The designer adjusted the margin by one em.

  2. In this font, the em is slightly wider than usual.

  3. The word "em" is pronounced like the letter "M."

  4. Typographers often use ems for consistent spacing.

  5. The em dash (—) is named after this unit.