indentation
UK: ˌɪn.denˈteɪ.ʃən | US: ˌɪn.denˈteɪ.ʃən
n. a notch, cut, or recess in a surface or edge
n. the action of indenting or the state of being indented
n. (computing) the insertion of spaces or tabs at the beginning of a line to structure code or text
The word "indentation" originates from the Latin indentare, meaning "to furnish with teeth," derived from in- (into) + dens (tooth). The concept evolved metaphorically to describe notches or cuts resembling teeth, later extending to textual or structural gaps (e.g., paragraph indents). The computing sense emerged in the 20th century, reflecting hierarchical formatting.
The indentation on the edge of the leaf helps identify the plant species.
Proper indentation improves the readability of programming code.
The document requires a 1-inch indentation for each new paragraph.
The carpenter measured the depth of the indentation in the wood.
Ancient scripts often used indentation to separate sections.