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sty·lus

(stīləs)

n. pl. sty·lus·es or sty·li (-lī)

1. A sharp, pointed instrument used for writing, marking, or engraving.

2. Computers A pointed instrument used as an input device on a pressure-sensitive screen.

3. A phonograph needle.

4. A sharp, pointed tool used for cutting the jagged grooves that record sound on a phonograph record.

[Latin, alteration (influenced by Greek stūlos, pillar) of stilus.]

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stylus

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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