What is a serif?

A serif is a small line, curve, flourish, or embellishment projecting from the mainstroke of a letter.

Here is an example of some letters with serifs:

Serifs

• What is a serif font?
• What is a sanserif font?

• Concept module: serif
• In overview module: Glossary (Literacy): S
• In modular book: Glossary of literacy terms
• In document collection: Reference materials
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 30 January 1998

© 1999 SIL International