backspace character

3.9

A code or key that moves the cursor one space left to erase the last thing typed

noun

Specialized

: carácter de retroceso

In programming, the backspace character is often represented as '\b'.

Examples

Press the backspace character to delete the last letter.
When you press the backspace character, the cursor moves one position to the left.
The old typewriters could not interpret the backspace character electronically.
The backspace character is essential for text editing.
In programming, the backspace character is often represented as '\b', which allows users to delete the previous character.
When you press the backspace character on your keyboard, it moves the cursor one position to the left, removing the last typed letter.
The backspace character is crucial in text editing applications, as it helps users correct typing errors quickly.

Surface Forms

backspace character singular

backspace characters plural

Morphology

backspace + character

The phrase is directly compositional: 'backspace' (the key/function that deletes the previous character) combined with 'character' (a symbol or control code) yields the control code that moves the cursor left or deletes the prior character. This follows normal noun+noun compounding and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words and basic keyboard vocabulary.

Etymology

The term backspace character comes from the image of going back one space on the line. The special key or code moves the cursor one position to the left so you can 'delete' the previous character.