backspace

From back +‎ space.

• IPA^(key): /ˈbækˌspeɪs/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

backspace (plural backspaces)

1. The key on a typewriter that moves the head one position backwards.
2. (computing) A keyboard key used for removing a character behind the cursor, and moving the cursor one position backwards.
3. (computing) A non-printable text character representing a backspace.

   Synonym: \b

• backspaceable
• backspacer
• destructive backspace

backspace (third-person singular simple present backspaces, present participle backspacing, simple past and past participle backspaced)

1. (computing) To remove a character behind a cursor.
   • 2024 April 17, SMii7Y, 1:20 from the start, in Content Warning Footage That Should Never Be Uploaded‎^[1], spoken by SMii7Y:

     So once you hit 'E', just backspace.

2. (computing) To move a magnetic tape to a previous block.

• ←

Unadapted borrowing from English backspace.

backspace m (plural backspaces)

1. backspace (computer key)