/
ˈstʌɪləs/
n.
(pl. styli
/-lʌɪ, -liː/
or styluses)
- a hard point, typically of diamond or sapphire, following a groove in a gramophone record and transmitting the recorded sound for reproduction.
- an ancient writing implement for scratching letters on wax-covered tablets.
▸a similar implement for engraving and tracing.
▸Computing a pen-like device used to input handwritten text or drawings directly into a computer.
Etymology
C18 (as a mod. L. term in botany: see style): erroneous spelling of L. stilus.