The spelling of "small pica" is easy to understand when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "small" is pronounced as /smɔl/, with the "a" sounding like the "o" in "dog." The second syllable "pica" is pronounced as /ˈpiːkə/ with a long "ee" sound, and the final "a" sounding like an "uh" sound. Therefore, when pronounced as a whole, "small pica" sounds like /smɔl ˈpiːkə/. This term refers to a size of typographical font used in print media.
Small pica is a term commonly used in typography and printing to indicate a particular standard size of typeface or font. It refers to a specific measurement unit used to quantify the size of individual characters or glyphs in a printed text. In the typographic world, a pica is a standard unit of measurement, equal to 12 points or approximately 1/6th of an inch. Small pica, therefore, refers to a slightly smaller version of this measurement unit.
In terms of practical application, small pica is often used in the setting of text-intensive materials such as newspapers, magazines, or books where space is limited or where a smaller font size is required. It allows designers, typesetters, and printers to accurately gauge the proportions, spacing, and layout of texts for optimal legibility and aesthetic appeal.
The small pica measurement system assists in maintaining consistency and coherence in the overall typography of a document since it provides a reliable way to specify the exact size and dimensions of different typefaces. This helps ensure that all characters within a document are rendered with preciseness, particularly when combining various type sizes or font styles. With the standardized small pica unit, designers and typographers can confidently plan and create visually appealing texts with ease.
A kind of type used in printing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "small pica" is derived from the printing industry.
In typography, a pica is a unit of measurement used to indicate the width of a typeface. It is equal to approximately 1/6 of an inch or 4.217 mm.
The word "pica" itself comes from the Latin word "pica" meaning "magpie", as the bird is known for collecting shiny objects and type was often made from lead, which has a silver-like appearance.
The addition of "small" before "pica" refers to a smaller size variant of the traditional pica measurement. It is typically used for a typeface that is narrower than the standard size.
Overall, the term "small pica" is a technical printing term used to describe a specific width measurement related to typography.