What does a descender refer to in typography?

The term "descender" in typography specifically refers to the part of a lowercase letter that extends below the baseline. This feature is commonly seen in letters such as 'g', 'j', 'p', 'q', and 'y'. The descender adds to the overall height and shape of a letter, contributing to its visual balance and aesthetic appeal within a typeface. In typography, understanding ascenders and descenders is vital for grasping how different characters interact with each other and how they fit within the vertical space of a line of text. This understanding aids in typographic design and helps ensure legibility and readability in various contexts.