Em (Noun)
Meaning 1
A linear unit (1/6 inch) used in printing.
Classification
Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A quad with a square body; "since `em quad' is hard to distinguish from `en quad', printers sometimes called it a `mutton quad'".
Classification
Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure.
Examples
- The em is a unit of measurement in typography, equivalent to the width of the capital letter M in a particular font.
- The printer's block contained an em, which was used to add space between lines of text.
- In the early days of printing, the em was used as a standard unit of measurement for setting type.
- Since the em quad is hard to distinguish from the en quad, printers sometimes called it a mutton quad.
- The font designer carefully crafted the em to ensure that it was symmetrical and visually appealing.