kern
8
9.9
Part of a metal printing letter that sticks out to overlap the next letter
- noun
- /kɜrn/
- Archaic
:
saliente
Surface Forms
Etymology
Kern names the small part of a metal letter that 'sticks out' past the main block so the letter can hang over the next one. Think of it as a tiny corner or hook that helps letters sit close together, which explains why a damaged kern can cause ugly gaps between letters.