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stylus
/ˈstaɪ.ləs/
writing tool or pointing device
She used a stylus to navigate the touchscreen tablet.
A stylus is a pen-like tool used to interact with touchscreens.
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
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary