What is an "orphan" in typesetting terminology?

Prepare for the NOCTI Visual Communications and Multimedia Design Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Gain insights and confidently tackle all exam sections!

In typesetting terminology, an "orphan" refers specifically to a word or phrase that appears on a new line or on its own at the end of a paragraph, separated from the rest of the paragraph's text. This occurs when a single word or a short phrase is carried over to the next line or page, which can disrupt the flow and visual appeal of the text.

This phenomenon often leads to unbalanced layouts and can draw unnecessary attention to that single word or phrase, affecting the readability of the content. In professional typesetting and layout design, it is generally preferable to avoid orphans to maintain a cohesive and polished appearance in printed material or digital displays.

The other options describe different concepts that do not align with the definition of an orphan in typesetting. For instance, while a character that appears at the end of a page has implications for layout, it is not considered an orphan. Similarly, a design element that is forgotten or a letter that is improperly formatted pertains to broader design issues rather than the specific typesetting term.

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