ascenders

Ascenders are the parts of certain lowercase letters that rise above the main body of the letter, such as the top part of 'b,' 'd,' 'f,' 'h,' 'k,' and 'l.' They help distinguish these letters from others and play a role in the overall style and readability of text. For example, the ascender of a lowercase 'b' extends above the average height of letters like 'a' and 'e.' Their length and shape vary depending on the font or handwriting style, impacting both aesthetic appeal and clarity in written communication.