kern1

 
Pronunciation: /kəːn/
Printing

verb

[with object]
  • 1 (usually as noun kerning) adjust the spacing between (characters) in a piece of text to be printed: there was not facility for accurate kerning on a global basis
  • 2provide (metal type or a printed character) with a kern: sometimes display type is kerned

noun

  • the part of a metal type projecting beyond the body or shank, or a part of a printed character that overlaps its neighbours.

Origin:

late 17th century: perhaps from French carne 'corner', from Latin cardo, cardin- 'hinge'