etaoin shrdlu

[et-ee-oin shurd-loo, -oh-in, ee-tee-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the letters produced by running the finger down the first two vertical rows of keys at the left of the keyboard of a Linotype machine: used as a temporary marking slug or to indicate that an earlier mistake in the line necessitates resetting, but sometimes inadvertently cast and printed.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of etaoin shrdlu¹

First recorded in 1955–60

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Linotype machine was invented by a Latvian machinist named Etaoin Shrdlu.

From

On that last night, Mr. Schlesinger became one of the “stars” of “Farewell, Etaoin Shrdlu,” a 29-minute documentary film with a title that Linotype operators would instantly recognize.

From

Striking the first 12 keys, which were in two columns at the left of the keyboard, “spelled” etaoin shrdlu.

From

“Farewell, Etaoin Shrdlu” takes its name from the unusual key alignment on the Linotype.

From

Sometimes, “etaoin shrdlu” was overlooked and made its way into the paper.

From

etamine eta particle

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