Keystroke Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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keystroke
[ˈkiːstroʊk ]
Definition
computer activity
A keystroke is the act of pressing a key on a computer keyboard. It registers an input command or a character in a document or software application. The term can also refer to the sound made when a key is pressed.
Synonyms
character input, key press, keystroke input.
Examples of usage
- The password requires three keystrokes.
- Typing speeds are measured in keystrokes per minute.
- She typed a keystroke too many and deleted the file.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Technology
- In programming, keystrokes can be measured to assess typing speed or for software development.
- Some applications use keystroke data for text predictions and to enhance user experience.
- Our devices track keystrokes for various purposes, including security measures such as password generation.
Cognitive Psychology
- Research shows that the act of typing can improve memory retention compared to handwriting.
- Typists often engage different cognitive processes when they utilize muscle memory for frequent keystrokes.
- There’s a phenomenon called 'keystroke logging', which studies how we interact with keyboards, revealing insights about user behavior.
Pop Culture
- Films depicting hackers often feature keystroke visuals to show the fast-paced nature of computer hacking.
- Online gaming frequently references keystrokes when discussing player reaction times and gameplay strategies.
- In memes and online discussions, 'keystrokes' symbolize the act of expressing opinions or reactions in chat or forums.
Education
- Typing courses focus on improving keystrokes to increase efficiency in writing essays or reports.
- Keystroke analysis is used in online exams to confirm identity and ensure integrity during assessments.
- Learning to type using the correct finger placements can lead to faster keystrokes and overall better productivity.
Origin of 'keystroke'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'key', referring to the keys on a keyboard, and 'stroke', describing the action of pressing a key.
- The word first appeared in the tech vocabulary during the 1960s as computers became more common.
- Initially used to describe the mechanical action in typewriters before progressing to computer keyboards.
The term 'keystroke' emerged in the mid-20th century as computer technology began to revolutionize how people interacted with machines. The word itself is a combination of 'key,' referring to the individual buttons on a keyboard, and 'stroke,' which implies a single action or movement. As keyboards and computing devices became more commonplace, this term found its place in the lexicon of computer science and technology. The rising usage of personal computers, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, solidified the relevance of 'keystroke' in everyday language, often used in discussions about typing speed, input methods, and keyboard-related settings. Today, 'keystroke' is commonly associated not only with typing but also with keylogging in cybersecurity contexts, where tracking keystrokes can reveal sensitive information.