typing element

American  

noun

1. a spherelike device, usually of molded metal, having on its surface raised letters, numerals, and other characters. When actuated by a typewriter keyboard or computer command, the device revolves quickly, striking an inked ribbon and impressing the character on paper.

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Example Sentences

Instead, the Selectric has mounted inside its case a spherical-shaped, pingpong-ball-sized metal typing element bearing all the familiar 88 alphabetical characters, numerals and punctuation symbols.

From Time Magazine Archive