oblique mark

English

Etymology

A clarification of the intended sense of oblique.

Noun

oblique mark (plural oblique marks)

1. (typography, uncommon) Synonym of slash ⟨/⟩, sometimes (generally proscribed) inclusive of similar marks such as the backslash ⟨\⟩.
   • 1804, William Bingley, North Wales, volume II, page 338:

     The oblique mark ∖ above the letters implies that the notes must come in succession, the upper one first, as this mark ／ signifies a contrary succession.

   • 1941, Rupert Pitt Sorelle, Gregg Typing, page 266:

     Any fraction may be made by typing the numerator, the oblique mark (/), and the denominator. The oblique mark is struck with the small finger of the right hand.

   • 2003, Frank P. Donnelly, Touch N Type, page 20:

     Your fourth finger on your right hand strikes semicolon (;) on the home row, reaches up slightly for p, and down to the bottom row slightly right for the oblique mark (/).