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https://github.com/grahp/steno-glossary

Stenography Glossary
https://github.com/grahp/steno-glossary

glossary plover steno stenography

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Stenography Glossary

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README 

          
# Steno Glossary



Moved to [https://grahp.dev/steno-glossary](https://grahp.dev/steno-glossary).



I can't promise this will be up to date, so I'd look there instead :)



Outline:

- [_Key_](#key)

- [_Chord_](#chord)

- [_Stroke_](#stroke)

- [_Outline_](#outline)

- [_Translation_](#translation)

  - Affixes

  - Commands

  - Untran

- [_Entry_](#entry)

- [_Dictionary_](#dictionary)

  - [_Lookup_](#lookup)

  - [_Reverse Lookup_](#reverse-lookup)

  - [_Generated_](#generated)

  - [_Programmatic_](#programmatic)

  - [_Modal_](#modal)

- [_Theory Rule_](#theory-rule)

- [_Theory_](#theory)

  - [_Long_](#long)

  - [_Short_](#short)

  - [_Phonetic_](#phonetic)

  - [_Orthographic_](#orthographic)

  - [_Full-English_](#full-english)

  - [_Hobbyist_](#hobbyist)

  - [_Professional_](#professional)

- [_Conflict_](#conflict)

  - [_Conflict Resolution_](#conflict-resolution)

  - [_Word Boundary Conflict_](#word-boundary-conflict)

  - Word-affix Conflicts

  - Homophonic Conflicts

  - Proper Noun Conflicts

- [_Writing_](#writing)

- [_Write-out_](#write-out)

- [_Brief_](#brief)

  - [_Misstroke_](#misstroke)

  - [_Arbitrary_](#arbitrary)

  - [_Phrase_](#phrase)

- [_Mandatory_](#mandatory)

- [_Vestige_](#vestige)

- [_Raw Steno_](#raw-steno)

- Paper Tape/Steno Paper

- [_Steno Order_](#steno-order)

- [_Layout_](#layout)

  - [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout)

  - [_Extended Stenotype Layout_](#extended-stenotype-layout)

- [_System_](#system)

- [_Steno Engine_](#steno-engine)

  - [_Plover_](#plover)

  - [_Javelin_](#javelin)

  - [_Embedded_](#embedded)

- [_Text Input System_](#text-input-system)

- [_Chorded_](#chorded)

- [_Serial_](#serial)

- [_Steno Writer_](#steno-writer)

  - [_Steno Machine_](#steno-machine)

  - [_Steno Keyboard_](#steno-keyboard)

  - [_Stenotype Machine_](#stenotype-machine)

  - [_NKRO_](#nkro)

- [_Chorded_](#chorded)

- [_Serial_](#serial)

- Philly Shift

- Shadowing

- Dropping

- Linking

- Folding

- [_Merge_](#merge)

- [_Bank_](#bank)

  - [_Initial_](#initial)

  - [_Vowel_](#vowel)

  - [_Final_](#final)

  - [_Skeleton_](#skeleton)

  - [_Unique_](#unique)

- Key Label

- [_Fingerspelling_](#fingerspelling)

- [_Orthospelling_](#orthospelling)

  - [_Shrimple_](#shrimple)

- [_Dedicated_](#dedicated)

- Stenographer

- Spacing

- Space suppression

- Casing

- [_Realtime_](#realtime)



## Key

**Noun**



An individual key on a [_steno writer_](#steno-writer) or [_layout_](#layout). Analogous to a key on a keyboard.



- Multiple keys may share the same _label_, with a dash (-) denoting what [_bank_](#bank) the key is in. For example, in the [_WSI layout_](#wsi-layout), there are two keys _labeled_ '`S`': the [_initial_](#initial) `S-` key, and the [_final_](#final) `-S` key. Notice the dash at the start and end of the key.



## Chord

**Noun**



A set of [_keys_](#key). Chords may denote a sound, letter, affix, or any other part of a [_translation_](#translation).



- Chords can be combined to form [_strokes_](#stroke).

- The difference between a chord and a [_stroke_](#stroke) can often be subtle. See https://grahp.dev/chords-vs-strokes

- An example chord is `TPH-`, which [_translates_](#translation) to the [_initial_](#initial) "n" sound (/n/).



**Verb**



Pressing down all the [_keys_](#key) that make up a chord on a [_steno writer_](#steno-writer).



- "Chording" is a term outside of _steno_, which means "pressing multiple [_keys_](#key) together at once", rather than one at a time.

- Often used interchangeably with the verb [_stroke_](#stroke).



## Stroke

**Noun**



A set of [_keys_](#key) pressed together simultaneously.



- If that sounds like what a [_chord_](#chord) is, that's because [_chords_](#chord) and strokes are very similar. They are both sets of [_keys_](#key). When you press down a set of [_keys_](#key) simultaneously, that is a stroke. A [_chord_](#chord) is something you can use to build strokes.

- A helpful way to think of it is that when you combine two [_chords_](#chord), you get a stroke, but when you combine two strokes, you get an [_outline_](#outline)

- For a full explanation of the difference between [_chords_](#chord) and strokes, see https://grahp.dev/chords-vs-strokes



**Verb**



Pressing down all the [_keys_](#key) that make up a stroke on a [_steno writer_](#steno-writer)



- Often used interchangeably with the verb [_chord_](#chord).



## Outline

**Noun**



One or more [_strokes_](#stroke) [_chorded_](#chord), or [_written_](#writing), one after another.



## Translation

**Noun**



A word, [_phrase_](#phrase), part of a word or phase, sound, affix, command, punctuation, or any other output that would be emitted from [_writing_](#writing) a [_stroke_](#stroke).



**Verb**



To "translate". The translation that an [_outline_](#outline) maps to is referred to as its "translation".



- For example, the [_outline_](#outline) `KAT` translates to "cat".



## Entry

**Noun**



An entry, or [_dictionary_](#dictionary) entry, is a mapping between an [_outline_](#outline) and a [_translation_](#translation).



- For example, the [_outline_](#outline) `HOT/TKOG` might map to the [_translation_](#translation) "hotdog".



## Dictionary

**Noun**



A set of [_outlines_](#outline) with mappings to [_translations_](#translation). Dictionaries are made up of dictionary [_entries_](#entry).



## Lookup

**Noun**



The process of "looking up" a [_translation_](#translation) from a given [_outline_](#outline) in a [_dictionary_](#dictionary).



## Reverse Lookup

**Noun**



The process of "looking up" the set of [_outlines_](#outlines) that map to a given [_translation_](#translation) in a [_dictionary_](#dictionary).



- Called "reverse lookup" as it is the opposite of regular [_lookup_](#lookup).

- Each [_outline_](#outline) that reverse lookup gives you could be [_looked up_](#lookup) to get the [_translation_](#translation) you gave reverse lookup.



## Generated

**Adjective**



A generated [_dictionary_](#dictionary) is not created manually, but instead made using a program that will generate the [_dictionary_](#dictionary) automatically.



- Generated [_dictionaries_](#dictionary) often require some amount of manual tweaking.

- There's a lot of overlap between generated and [_programmatic_](#programmatic) [_dictionaries_](#dictionary). Programmatic dictionaries are also made using a program that generates [_translations_](#translation) on-the-fly.



## Programmatic

**Adjective**



A [_dictionary_](#dictionary) being programmatic means that it [_translates_](#translation) [_outlines_](#outline) as you _write_ them, rather having a pre-defined collection of [_entries_](#entry).



- See [_Generated_](#generated)



## Modal

**Adjective**



A [_dictionary_](#dictionary) being modal means that it may contain different [_entries_](#entries), and thus "do different things", depending on what "mode" you are in.



- Your current mode can change through a mode-switching [_stroke_](#stroke), based on _context_, or really for any other reason.

- An example modal [_dictionary_](#dictionary) might be _movement_. You can enter one [_stroke_](#stroke) to start _moving_, and then use the `-R`, `-P`, `-B`, and `-G` [_keys_](#key) to _move_ around like arrow keys.



## Theory Rule

**Noun**



A "rule" defining some part of how [_outlines_](#outline) should be mapped to [_translations_](#translation).



## Theory

**Noun**



A set of [_theory rules_](#theory-rule) that defines how [_outlines_](#outline) should map to [_translations_](#translation).



- Theories usually come with [_dictionaries_](#ditionaries), which are usually the theory author's best attempt to follow their [_theory rules_](#theory-rule).



## Long

**Adjective**



A long [_theory_](#theory) uses a lot of [_strokes_](#stroke) to write words, more than a [_short_](#short) theory.



## Short

**Adjective**



A short [_theory_](#theory) uses a fewer [_strokes_](#stroke) to write words than a [_long_](#long) theory.



**Verb**



To shorten means to reduce the number of [_strokes_](#stroke) required to [_write_](#writing) a [_translation_](#translation)



## Phonetic

**Adjective**



Describing a theory where words are [_written_](#writing) how they sound rather than how they are spelled.



## Orthographic

**Adjective**



Describing a [_theory_](#theory) where words are [_written_](#writing) how they are spelled rather than how they sound.



## Full-English

**Adjective**



A full-English [_theory_](#theory) is designed to [_write_](#writing) all of English, rather than something like numbers, [_phrasing_](#phrase), movement, etc.



## Hobbyist

**Adjective**



Relating to being used by non-[_professionals_](#professional) who are doing stenography as a hobby rather than a career path.



- Hobbyist [_theories_](#theories) are optimized for different things than [_professional_](#professional) ones.



## Professional

**Adjective**



Relating to being used by professional court reporters or closed captioners.



## Conflict

**Noun**



An [_outline_](#outline) that has multiple valid [_translations_](#translation) according to your [_theory_](#theory).



- There are many different kinds of conflicts that happen for different reasons.



## Conflict Resolution

**Noun**



How [_conflicts_](#conflict) are "resolved", or fixed, in a [_theory_](#theory)



## Word Boundary Conflict

**Noun**



A type of [_conflict_](#conflict) where it is unclear where [_outlines_](#outline) should start and stop given a sequence of [_strokes_](#stroke).



## Writing

**Verb**



Steno's equivalent to "typing", which involves inputting [_strokes_](#stroke) onto a [_steno writer_](#steno-writer).



## Write-out

**Noun**



An [_outline_](#outline) that follows all [_theory rules_](#theory-rule), and isn't [_shortened_](#short), or [_abbreviated_](#brief), in any way.



## Brief

**Noun**



An "abbreviated" [_outline_](#outline), used to reduce the number of [_strokes_](#stroke) required to [_write_](#write) a [_translation_](#translation).



**Verb**



To "abbreviate" an [_outline_](#outline). To use a [_translation_](#translation)'s brief rather than its [_write-out_](#write-out).



## Misstroke

**Noun, Adjective**



An incorrectly [_written_](#writing) [_outline_](#outline). Usually refers to an [_outline_](#outline) with a valid [_translation_](#translatino) that was added to the [_dictionary_](#dictionary) in case you [_wrote_](#writing) the [_outline_](#outline) on accident.



- If you incorrectly [_write_](#writing) an [_outline_](#outline), you can add it to your [_dictionary_](#dictionary) [_translating_](#translation) to the word you actually meant to [_write_](#writing) instead, that way if you make the same mistake later, you won't have to undo and [_write_](#writing) the word again.



**Verb**



[_Writing_](#writin) the wrong [_outline_](#outline) on accident.



## Arbitrary

**Noun**, **Adjective**



An arbitrary [_outline_](#outline) does not follow the [_rules_](#theory-rule) of the [_theory_](#theory), and has to be memorized manually.



- Sometimes shortened to "arb".



## Phrase

**Noun**



A type of [_brief_](#brief) that [_translates_](#translation) to multiple words, or a "phrase".



## Mandatory

**Noun**, **Adjective**



An [_outline_](#outline) with no [_write-out_](#write-out), and only [_briefs_](#brief), meaning it's "mandatory" that you memorize the [_brief_](#brief).



- Usually, the [_write-out_](#write-out) is taken by another [_outline_](#outline), typically a [_brief_](#brief).



## Vestige

**Noun**, **Adjective** (Vestigial)



A [_dictionary_](#dictionary) [_entry_](#entry) that exists because of a [_theory rule_](#theory-rule) that no longer exists in the [_theory_](#theory), but is still in the [_dictionary_](#dictionary).



## Raw Steno

**Noun**



A notation for writing [_keys_](#key), [_strokes_](#stroke), [_chords_](#chord), and [_outlines_](#outline) in a human-readable form.



- Some examples:

- `-T` is a [_key_](#key) on the [_final_](#final) [_bank_](#bank) of the [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout).

- `KWR-` is a [_chord_](#chord) in the [_initial_](#initial) [_bank_](#bank) of the [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout).

- `KAT` is a [_stroke_](#stroke).

- `KEUT/KAT` is an [_outline_](#outline) that contains 2 [_strokes_](#stroke).



## Steno Order

**Noun**



The order that the [_keys_](#key) of a [_layout_](#layout) are written in with [_raw steno_](#raw-steno).



- The [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout)'s steno order is `STKPWHRAOEUFRPBLGTSDZ`.



## Layout

**Noun**



A set of [_keys_](#key) with _labels_, often grouped into [_banks_](#bank), often with a defined [_steno order_](#steno-order), that can be grouped into [_chords_](#chord).



- The most common, and "standard" steno layout is the [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout), as well as the [_Extended Stenotype Layout_](#extended-stenotype-layout) for hobbyist use.



## WSI Layout

**Noun**



The "standard" steno [_layout_](#layout). Featuring 23 keys, in [_steno order_](#steno-order): `STKPWHRAO*EUFRPBLGTSDZ`.



- See https://grahp.dev/wsi



## Extended Stenotype Layout

**Noun**



An "extended" version of the [_WSI layout_](#wsi-layout) featuring 2 more [_keys_](#key), `^` and `+`.



## System

**Noun**



Not to be confused with a [_text input system_](#text-input-system), a steno system a definition of [_keys_](#key), suffixes, and orthography rules, among other things, that [_Plover_](#plover) and [_Javelin_](#javelin) can use to control your [_layout_](#layout).



- See [https://plover.readthedocs.io/en/latest/plugin-dev/systems.html](https://plover.readthedocs.io/en/latest/plugin-dev/systems.html) and [https://github.com/jthlim/javelin-system](https://github.com/jthlim/javelin-system)



## Steno Engine

**Noun**



A steno engine, or just "engine", is a program that [_translates_](#translation) [_outlines_](#outline) as you [_write_](#writing) them.



## Plover

**Noun**



A popular hobbyist [_steno engine_](#steno-engine) that runs as an app on your computer. Plover can be used to steno on qwerty keyboards, hobbyist boards, and professional steno writers.



- Download/learn more: [https://opensteno.org](https://opensteno.org)



## Javelin

**Noun**



Javelin is An [_embedded_](#embedded) [_steno engine_](#steno-engine) that can run on most [_hobbyist keyboards_](#steno-keyboard). By running directly on the keyboard itself, you avoid needing to keep an application running to use steno.



- Website: [https://lim.au/#/software/javelin-steno](https://lim.au/#/software/javelin-steno)



## Embedded

**Adjective**



An embedded [_steno engine_](#steno-engine) runs on the [_keyboard_](#steno-keyboard) itself, rather than being a program on the computer you're typing on.



- [_Javelin_](#javelin) is an embedded [_engine_](#steno-engine)



## Text Input System

**Noun**



Not to be confused with a [_steno system_](#system), A text input system is a method of inputting text onto a computer.



## Steno Writer

**Noun**



A steno writer, or just "writer", is any kind of stenographic [_input device_](#text-input-system), including both professional [_steno machines_](#steno-machine) and [_hobbyist_](#hobbyist) [_steno keyboards_](#steno-keyboard).



## Steno Machine

**Noun**



A steno machine is type of [_steno writer_](#steno-writer) used by professionals.



## Steno Keyboard

**Noun**



A steno keyboard, or [_hobbyist_](#hobbyist) keyboard, is a [_writer_](#steno-writer) used by [_hobbyists_](#hobbyist). It is a normal(ish) keyboard rather a full on [_steno machine_](#steno-machine).



## Stenotype Machine

**Noun**



A stenotype machine, or just "stenotype" is another word for a [_steno writer_](#steno-writer), usually referring to a professional [_steno machine_](#steno-machine)



## NKRO

**Noun**



N-key rollollver, or NKRO, means that a [_keyboard_](#steno-keyboard) can register every keypress, regardless of how many are pressed down. Many keyboards can only register a few keys being pressed down before any more keys won't register at all.



- NKRO is basically required for [_chording_](#chorded), as you need to press down many keys at once.



## Chorded

**Adjective**



A [_system of text input_](#text-input-system) where [_keys_](#key) are pressed together at once, rather than in sequence ([_serially_](#serial)).



## Serial

**Adjective**



A [_system of text input_](#text-input-system) where [_keys_](#key) are pressed in sequence, rather than in [_chords_](#chord) ([_chorded_](#chorded)).



## Merge

**Adjective**



Using one [_chord_](#chord) to mean multiple sounds or spellings in a way that doesn't create many [_conflicts_](#conflict).



- For example, in the [_WSI layout_](#wsi-layout), the "x" and "kshun" sounds are merged, meaning one [_chord_](#chord) is used for both sounds.



## Bank

**Noun**



A logical group of [_keys_](#key) on a [_layout_](#layout), used to organize [_keys_](#key) based on their position.



- The [_WSI layout_](#wsi-layout) has 3 banks: the [_initials_](#initial), the [_vowels_](#vowel), and the [_finals_](#finals).



## Initial

**Noun**, **Adjective**



The [_bank_](#bank) with the "initial" or "starting" sound or spelling of a word.



Can also refer to a [_key_](#key), [_chord_](#chord), [_stroke_](#stroke), or [_outline_](#outline) in the initial [_bank_](#bank).



- E.g. the "c" in "cat"

- Sometimes called the "starter" bank.

- In the [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout) these are the `S-`, `T-`, `K-`, `P-`, `W-`, `H-`, and `R-` [_keys_](#key).



## Vowel

**Noun**, **Adjective**



The [_bank_](#bank) with the vowel sound or spelling of a word. One of the 3 [_banks_](#bank) on the [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout)



Can also refer to a [_key_](#key), [_chord_](#chord), [_stroke_](#stroke), or [_outline_](#outline) in the vowel [_bank_](#bank).



- E.g. the "a" in "cat"

- In the [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout) these are the `A`, `O`, `*`, `E`, and `U` [_keys_](#key).



## Final

**Noun**, **Adjective**



The [_bank_](#bank) with the vowel sound or spelling of a word, one of the 3 [_banks_](#bank) on the [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout)



Can also refer to a [_key_](#key), [_chord_](#chord), [_stroke_](#stroke), or [_outline_](#outline) in the final [_bank_](#bank).



- E.g. the "t" in "cat"

- Sometimes called the "ender" bank (no relation to Minecraft :p).

- In the [_WSI Layout_](#wsi-layout) these are the `-F`, `-R`, `-P`, `-B`, `-L`, `-G`, `-T`, `-S`, `-D`, and `-Z` [_keys_](#key).



## Skeleton

**Noun**, **Adjective**



A [_stroke_](#stroke) that has no [_vowel_](#vowel) [_keys_](#key).



- For example, `PH-RB` is a skeleton, but `PHARB` is not, as it contains the [_vowel_](#vowel) [_key_](#key) `A`.



## Unique

**Adjective**



A unique [_initial_](#initial), [_vowel_](#vowel), or [_final_](#final) is a  [_chord_](#chord) that is only used for one purpose.



- Most [_dictionaries_](#dictionaries) that provide things like numbers, symbols, or [_phrasing_](#phrase), require a unique [_chord_](#chord) so they don't [_conflict_](#conflict) with regular English words.



## Fingerspelling

**Noun**, **Adjective**



A [_theory_](#theory)/[_dictionary_](#dictionary) where words are [_written_](#writing) letter-by-letter, allowing you to [_write_](#writing) words that aren't otherwise in your [_dictionary_](#dictionary).



**Verb**



[_Writing_](#writing) with a fingerspelling [_theory_](#theory)/[_dictionary_](#dictionary).



## Orthospelling

**Noun**



A method of [_writing_](#writing) words multiple letters at a time using an orthospelling [_theory_](#theory)/[_dictionary_](#dictionary).



**Adjective**



An orthospelling [_theory_](#theory)/[_dictionary_](#dictionary) is fully [_orthographic_](#orthographic). It's like [_fingerspelling_](#fingerspelling), but uses the whole [_layout_](#layout), or more of the [_layout_](#layout) than just one [_fingerspelling_](#fingerspelling) [_bank_](#bank).



An [_orthographic_](#orthographic) [_theory_](#theory)/[_dictionary_](#dictionary) where words are [_written_](#writing) multiple letters at a time.



**Verb**



The act of [_writing_](#writing) using an orthospelling [_theory_](#theory) or [_dictionary_](#dictionary).



## Shrimple

**Noun**



An [_orthospelling_](#orthospelling) [_theory_](#theory) for the [_WSI layout_](#wsi-layout). It uses a [_dedicated_](#dedicated) [_initial_](#initial) [_key_](#key), and is optionally [_modal_](#modal), meaning you can stay in Shrimple mode.



- [https://github.com/StenoHarri/Shrimple](https://github.com/StenoHarri/Shrimple)



## Dedicated

**Adjective**



A [_key_](#key), [_chord_](#chord), [_stroke_](#stroke), or [_outline_](#outline) that is reserved for a specific purpose and cannot be used for anything else.



## Realtime



A type of _shorthand_ where words are [_translated_](#translation) live, rather than a _stenographer_ taking shorthand _notes_ that must be later _translated_ into English.



---



## Other Sources



- Plover Wiki Glossary - [https://plover.wiki/index.php/Glossary](https://plover.wiki/index.php/Glossary)

- Steno Explainers - [https://sammdot.ca/steno/explainers](https://sammdot.ca/steno/explainers)

- Lapwing Glossary - [https://lapwing.aerick.ca/Glossary.html#steno-theory](https://lapwing.aerick.ca/Glossary.html#steno-theory)

- Learn Plover! Glossary - [https://www.opensteno.org/learn-plover/glossary.html](https://www.opensteno.org/learn-plover/glossary.html)

- StudySteno Glossary - [https://studysteno.com/moo/mod/glossary/view.php?id=22](https://studysteno.com/moo/mod/glossary/view.php?id=22)

- Plover Wiki Steno Hardware Terminology - [https://plover.wiki/index.php/Steno_hardware_terminology](https://plover.wiki/index.php/Steno_hardware_terminology)



Terms not covered here:



- Vernon Court Reporters Transcription & Court Reporting Glossary - [https://academy.vernoncourtreporters.com/](https://academy.vernoncourtreporters.com/)



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