Glossary

Backspace: The action of moving the carriage back to correct a typing mistake.
Bell: A sound produced by the typewriter to indicate the end of a line or other functions.
Carriage: The mechanism that holds and moves the paper in a typewriter.
Carriage lock: A mechanism used to secure the carriage during transportation.
Carriage return lever: A lever used to manually return the carriage to the beginning of a new line.
Character spacing: The horizontal distance between characters.
Center alignment: The alignment of text along the center of the page.
Double spacing: Setting the line spacing to twice the height of the text.
Escapement: The mechanism that advances the carriage after each keystroke.
Font size: The height of characters measured in points.
Ghosting: A phenomenon where certain key combinations cause unintended characters to appear.
Home row: The middle row of keys on a keyboard where the fingers rest when not typing.
Insert mode: A mode where typed characters are inserted at the cursor position.
Italics: Text that is slanted to the right for emphasis or to denote special formatting.
Justification: The alignment of text along the left, right, or both margins.
Keyboard layout: The arrangement of keys on the typewriter or keyboard.
Line feed: The action of advancing the paper to the next line.
Line gauge: A ruler attached to the typewriter for measuring line width.
Line indicator: A visual indicator showing the current line being typed.
Line lock: A mechanism that prevents the carriage from moving up or down.
Line spacing: The vertical distance between lines of text.
Margin: The preset boundaries for typing on a page, often adjustable.
Margin release: A lever or key used to bypass the preset margin settings.
On/Off switch: A switch used to turn the typewriter on or off.
Overtype mode: A mode where typed characters replace existing ones rather than being inserted.
Paragraph indent: The space at the beginning of a paragraph.
Platen: The rubber roller that holds the paper in place on the typewriter.
Platen knob: A knob used to manually advance or retract the paper.
Platen knob release: A button or lever used to release the platen knob for adjustment.
Print head: The component responsible for imprinting characters onto the paper.
QWERTY: The standard keyboard layout for typewriters and computer keyboards.
Return key: A key used to move the carriage to the beginning of a new line.
Ribbon: The inked strip that transfers characters onto the paper when typing.
Ribbon advance lever: A lever used to manually advance the ribbon.
Ribbon reverse: A mechanism that reverses the direction of the ribbon when it reaches the end.
Ribbon reverse lever: A lever used to manually reverse the direction of the ribbon.
Ribbon selector: A mechanism used to switch between inked and uninked portions of the ribbon.
Ribbon shield: A cover that protects the ribbon when not in use.
Shift key: A key used to access uppercase letters and symbols on a typewriter.
Shift lock: A function that locks the shift key in the uppercase position.
Space bar: A key used to create spaces between words or characters.
Spacebar mechanism: The mechanism that advances the carriage when the spacebar is pressed.
Subscript: Text that is lowered below the normal line of text.
Superscript: Text that is raised above the normal line of text.
Tab key: A key used to move the carriage to the next tab stop.
Tabulator: A mechanism used to set tab stops for aligning text.
Touch control: A mechanism for adjusting the sensitivity of the keys.
Type alignment: The positioning of characters relative to each other on the page.
Typebars: Metal arms with characters on the end that strike the paper when typing.
Typeface: The design or style of the characters on the typewriter.
Typestyle: The overall appearance and design of characters, including their size, weight, and spacing.
Typewriter: A mechanical or electronic device used for typing text onto paper.
Typewriter case: A protective case for storing and transporting typewriters.
Typewriter font: The specific style of characters used by a typewriter.
Typewriter maintenance: Regular cleaning and upkeep of typewriter components.
Typewriter repair: The process of fixing mechanical issues with typewriters.
Typing accuracy: The number of errors made while typing, usually measured as a percentage.
Typing rhythm: The speed and consistency of keystrokes while typing.
Typing speed: The rate at which a typist can type characters per minute.
Underlining: The practice of drawing a line beneath text for emphasis.
Wite-Out: A brand of correction fluid used to cover typing errors.
Word wrap: The automatic shifting of words to the next line when reaching the end of a line.
WPM: Abbreviation for “Words Per Minute,” a common measure of typing speed.