Definition: The stem is the main, usually vertical stroke of a letterform excluding any serifs.
In some fonts the stem is roughly the same thickness as other parts of the letter. In other fonts, the stem may be a little or a lot thicker.
Also Known As: stroke
Examples:
Not all letters have a stem, such as C or S. The vertical, non-curved portions of L, l, d, B, and p are examples of stems. H, N, and M have two stems each. Some letterforms such as y and A may have a sloped or diagonal stem.
