Meaning of the word ascender in English

What does ascender mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

ascender

US /əˈsen.dɚ/
UK /əˈsen.dər/

Noun

1.

the part of a lowercase letter that extends above the mean line of a font

Example:
Letters like 'b', 'd', 'f', 'h', 'k', 'l', and 't' all have an ascender.
The design of the font emphasized the elegant curves of each ascender.
2.

a device used in climbing to ascend a rope

Example:
The climber attached the ascender to the rope to help him move upwards.
Using an ascender makes climbing a fixed rope much more efficient.