What is a "serif" in typography?

In typography, a "serif" refers to the small decorative projections that finish off the strokes of a letter. These embellishments can take various shapes and styles, and they serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The presence of serifs can enhance the readability of text, particularly in printed formats, as they create a visual line that guides the reader's eye along the text. The use of serifs is often associated with traditional and formal typefaces, which can convey a sense of elegance or seriousness in design.

While readability techniques are important, the term "serif" specifically does not refer to these methods. Instead, it is a characteristic related to the shapes of the letterforms themselves. Options related to printing paper or book binding focus on different aspects of publishing and design, which are not relevant to the definition of a serif.