1 ascender | Definition of ascender

ascender

noun
as·​cend·​er | \ É™-ˈsen-dÉ™r How to pronounce ascender (audio) , ˈa-\

Definition of ascender

1 : the part of a lowercase letter (such as b) that rises above the main body of the letter also : a letter that has such a part
2 : a device used for climbing rope that slides freely in one direction and grips the rope when pulled in the opposite direction

Examples of ascender in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The process of attaching and unattaching an ascender might add 10 or 15 seconds for each transition. National Geographic, "Traffic jams are just one of the problems facing climbers on Everest," 29 May 2019 The pair improved readability of the Federal Highway Administration's standard alphabet by tweaking the relative heights of letters and the lengths of ascenders and descenders. Wired Staff, WIRED, "The New Sign Language," 1 Mar. 2005

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ascender.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ascender

circa 1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on ascender

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ascender

Spanish Central: Translation of ascender