diagonal mark

English

Etymology

To distinguish the intended sense of diagonal.

Noun

diagonal mark (plural diagonal marks)

1. (typography) Synonym of slash as the forward slash ⟨/⟩ and sometimes also its proscribed sense inclusive of the backslash ⟨\⟩.
   • 1965, Dmitri A. Borgmann, Language on Vacation, page 240:

     Initial inquiries among professional typists uncover names like slant, slant line, slash, and slash mark. Examination of typing instruction manuals discloses additional names such as diagonal and diagonal mark, and other sources provide the designation oblique.