Backspace key


to shift the carriage or typing element of a typewriter one sp-ce backward by depressing a special key.
computers. to move the cursor, printhead, etc., toward the beginning of the data.
the sp-ce made by backsp-cing.
also called backsp-cer, backsp-ce key. the labeled key on a typewriter or computer keyboard used for backsp-cing.
verb
to move a (typewriter carriage) backwards
noun
a typewriter key that effects such a movement
adj.

also back-sp-ce, 1899, in reference to keyboarding, from back (adv.) + sp-ce.

we have had the pleasure of examining one of the 1899 model hammond typewriters, with the new back-sp-ce key. this new feature is certainly an improvement in the machine. [“the phonetic journal,” march 11, 1899]

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