Pronunciation: [dɪsˈɛndə] (IPA) 
The word "descender" is spelled with a "c" rather than an "s" because the root word is "descend" (IPA: dɪˈsend), which ends in a "d" sound. When adding the suffix "-er" (IPA: -ər), which denotes a person or thing that does something, the "d" is kept and the final "d" sound is softened to a "s" sound. Therefore, the correct spelling is "descender" (IPA: dɪˈsɛndər), indicating a person or thing that descends.
A descender, in the context of typography, refers to the part of a lowercase letterform that extends below the baseline. It is the component of a letter that goes beneath the level established by the main body of the text. The concept of descender primarily applies to certain lowercase letters which possess these extended strokes, such as "g," "j," "p," "q," and "y," in contrast to the uppercase letters which do not have descenders.
The purpose of descenders is to maintain legibility and create visual balance within a typeface. They help differentiate similar letterforms and improve readability, especially in running text, by ensuring distinct recognition and preventing characters from appearing uniform or indistinguishable. Descenders also contribute to the overall calligraphic nature of certain type designs and create an aesthetic rhythm when used in combination with ascenders, the parts of lowercase letters that extend above the x-height.
Descenders are considered an essential element of typographic design, allowing for typographical variation and enhancing the visual appeal of the text. They add dimension to letters, providing vertical proportions that add interest and harmony to the overall composition. Additionally, descenders play a crucial role in providing consistent line spacing and typographic alignment, preventing characters from colliding or overlapping. Therefore, understanding and correctly utilizing descenders is crucial for typographers, designers, and anyone involved in the design and presentation of textual content.
The word "descender" originates from the Latin word "descendere", which is a combination of two Latin words: "de", meaning "down", and "scandere", meaning "to climb". The Latin word "descendere" essentially means "to climb down" or "to go downwards". This term was derived in English to refer to the part of certain letters in typography that extend below the baseline, such as the tails of letters like 'p,' 'q,' 'g,' and 'y.' The word "descender" is often used in typography to describe this characteristic of these letters.
