Definition: In typography, a serif is the little extra stroke found at the end of main vertical and horizontal strokes of some letterforms. Serifs fall into various groups and can be generally described as hairline (hair), square (slab), or wedge and are either bracketed or unbracketed.
Hairline serifs are much thinner than the main strokes. Square or slab serifs are thicker than hairline serifs all the way up heavier weight than the main strokes. Wedge serifs are triangular in shape. Unbracketed serifs attach directly to the strokes of the letterform, sometimes abrubtly or at right angles. Bracketed serifs provide a curved transition between the serif and the main strokes. Within these divisions serifs can be blunt, rounded, tapered, pointed, or some hyrid shape.
Some special serif-like character parts are spurs and beaks.
Examples: Some of the main classifications of Serif type are: Blackletter, Old Style, Modern, Slab Serif, Transitional, and Informal. Fonts in each classfication share certain similiar characteristics including the shape or appearance of their serifs. Serif shapes include straight, rounded, pointed, and concave.
