Editchar

/ˈɛdɪtˌtʃɑr/ noun

Definition

A computing command or function that allows the editing or modification of a character or character string in a text file or program.

Etymology

A technical portmanteau combining 'edit' and 'character,' created in early computing when programmers needed quick terms for specific functions. This originated in 1960s-1970s programming contexts.

Kelly Says

Editchar shows how technical jargon gets created through need—programmers invented this term because they needed a fast way to say 'the character editing function,' and while most people forgot it, it shows how language gets made in real time.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.