| glyph |
| Definition: The shape that a particular typeface gives to a particular symbol. Note: In contrast, a character is the abstraction that the glyph represents. Thus, this a is this typeface's representation of the concept English speakers call the letter a. |
| Etymology: The word ultimately derives from the Greek glyphe, a carving (from glyphein, to engrave or carve). Note: the word character derives from the Greek kharassein, to engrave. Thus, Greek-etymology-wise, glyphs are carvings and characters are engravings. |