graphetics (n.)

A term used by some LINGUISTS, on analogy with PHONETICS, for the analysis of the GRAPHIC SUBSTANCE of written or printed LANGUAGE. For example, it is theoretically possible to define a UNIVERSAL set of graphetic features which enter into the formation of DISTINCTIVE letter shapes. There are also several properties of the written MEDIUM which exercise a considerable influence on communication, e.g. color, size of writing or print, spacing. There is plainly an overlap here with the field of graphics and typography (and graphics is in fact sometimes used as a label for this field). So far little analysis of TEXTS in these terms has taken place, and the relationship between GRAPHETICS and GRAPHOLOGY remains unclear.