stylus

/ˈstaɪ.ləs/
nounIntermediate
general

A pointed tool used for writing or drawing, especially on touchscreens or wax tablets.

Ancient Romans used a stylus to write on wax tablets.

Historically, a stylus was a metal or bone tool for writing.

Modern styluses are often used with smartphones and graphic tablets.

Today, styluses are commonly used for precise touchscreen input.

💡

The term 'stylus' comes from the Latin 'stilus,' meaning 'a pointed tool for writing.'

💻Technology
technical

A device used to play vinyl records, also called a tonearm.

He carefully placed the stylus on the record to avoid scratching it.

The stylus in a record player reads the grooves of a vinyl record.

💡

In this context, 'stylus' refers to the needle-like component of a turntable.

Collocations

stylus pena pen-like stylus for touchscreensstylus pressurethe sensitivity of a stylus to pressure input

Synonyms

Related Phrases

stylus sensitivityphrase
how well a stylus responds to pressure or touch
active stylusphrase
a stylus with electronic components for enhanced functionality

💡Pro Tip

Stylus vs. Pen

While 'stylus' and 'pen' are sometimes used interchangeably, a stylus is specifically designed for touchscreens and may have additional features like pressure sensitivity.

Gold Rule

Precision Matters

When using a stylus, ensure it is compatible with your device for optimal performance.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'stilus,' meaning 'a pointed tool for writing.'

📝Usage Notes

The term 'stylus' can refer to both ancient writing tools and modern digital input devices. In the context of vinyl records, it specifically refers to the needle that reads the grooves.

Word Breakdown

styl-
pointed tool
root
+
-us
tool or instrument
suffix
English Dictionary