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serif definition

serif (ser′if)

noun

Printing a fine line projecting from a main stroke of a letter in common styles of type

Etymology: Du schreef, a stroke, line < schrijven, to write < L scribere: see scribe

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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deitz

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I disagree with this etymology, completely wholeheartedly. Much better that "Serif" comes from "Serafim" Hebrew for Angel. Many of the serifs used in many fonts look as though they are wings draped and hanging downward. To ascribe this to Latin in this case is pure intellectual dishonesty. There is almost no doubt that a person of the Jewish faith coined this with "Serafim" in mind.

Posted by deitz 35 days ago.

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