etaoin shrdlu

noun

eta·​oin shrd·​lu
ˈet|ēˌȯinˈshərdˌlü,
ˈēt|,
ˈāt|,
|əˌȯi-,
-n(ˌ)shərdˈlü
plural -s
: a combination of letters set by running a finger down the first and then the second left-hand vertical banks of six keys of a Linotype machine to produce a temporary marking slug not intended to appear in the final printing

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Cite this Entry

“Etaoin shrdlu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etaoin%20shrdlu. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

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