In writing, especially in typography and handwriting, an "ascender" refers to the part of a lowercase letter that extends above the x-height of a font. The x-height is typically the height of the lowercase letters that do not have ascenders or descenders (like "a", "e", "m", and "n").
Examples of letters that feature ascenders include:
- b
- d
- h
- k
- l
Ascenders are an important aspect of typeface design, as they affect readability, visual balance, and the overall aesthetic of the text. In combination with descenders (the parts of letters that extend below the baseline, like in "g", "j", "p", and "y"), ascenders contribute to the unique characteristics of different typefaces.
In handwriting, the use of ascenders can add to the style and flair of the writing, making it more legible or expressive.
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