Definition

A unit of measurement used in typography, equal to 12 Didot points, which is approximately 4.52 mm or 0.178 inches.

Example

The text was set in a size of cicero for better readability.

Conversation

I was reading about typography, and I came across the term cicero.

Oh really? What does cicero refer to?

It's actually a unit of measure used in printing.

That’s interesting! I had no idea there were specific terms for things like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cicero is derived from the Latin name 'Cicerō', which is believed to be derived from 'cicer' (meaning chickpea). The name was likely a nickname for someone with a prominent nose, resembling the shape of a chickpea. Cicero is most famously associated with the Roman statesman and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin word for chickpea, 'cicer', to remember that Cicero refers to a person whose name is linked to this legume.

Visually Confused Words