- Usually, typos refer to minor, careless, one-letter mistakes when one types up a document. However, because of the prevalent use of this word, a typo can refer to any error that occurs in any form of writing. Even writing the wrong information (which does not have to be a simple one-letter mistake) on paper can count as a typo.
typo
noun; other word formation type broadening
A general error in writing, not necessarily one that is typed. Also, can refer to more pronounced errors rather than simple one-letter mistakes.
Etymology : Originally a clipping from “ typographical error”, yielding “typo”. Then, the meaning was extended over time.
Source : “Additionally, my document has a typo in it” (This was a typo referring to an error on a handwritten handout where “counter clockwise sink” should have been “clockwise source) (from an email by a professor, 11-8-11)
Last modified: 3 December 2011