Definition of stylus

The origin of the word "stylus" can be traced back to ancient Greek and Latin languages. In ancient Greek, the term "styloi" referred to writing implements made of various materials such as bone, metal, or wood. These instruments were used to etch lines and symbols onto wax tablets, which could then be erased and reused. The Latin word for styloi is "stilus," which was used in Roman times to describe similar writing implements used with the writing material called "papyrus." Romans also used hair-like pens called "calamus," which differed from stilus in their designs and materials. In modern English, the term "stylus" was initially used to describe a surgical instrument consisting of a pointed object for precision movements. However, in the early 1900s, the term began to be used to refer to writing and drawing instruments for inscribing on hard surfaces like glass, metal, or plastic. Eventually, with the emergence of touchscreen technology in the 1970s, the term "stylus" gained a new meaning - a small, slender device used to manipulate and navigate electronic screens with specific points, pressures or gestures. It replaced the earlier methods of controlling touchscreens using fingers or other objects. Today, stylus technology is used in a range of devices such as tablets, smartphones, e-readers, and digital whiteboards. They are often seen with different shapes, materials, and features, from capacitive and magnetic to electronic and pressure-sensitive; and this innovative tool continues to evolve along with technological advancements.