sparecharacterset

noun
UK /spɛː ˈkærəktə sɛt/
US /spɛr ˈkærəktər sɛt/

A spare character set is an extra group of letters and symbols kept ready to use if the first one is lost or broken.

The printer came with a spare character set in case the original fonts got damaged.

SYNONYMS

backup character setextra character setreserve character setalternate character setspare font set

RELATED WORDS

character encodingfontglyphtypefacesymbol table

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A secondary set of written symbols used in a writing system as an alternative to the main one.

Ancient scribes sometimes kept a spare character set for carving names on stone.

3. In computing, an additional collection of characters available when the primary set cannot display a needed symbol.

The software switched to a spare character set to show the special math signs.

4. A replacement group of actors or performers ready to step in for the main cast.

The theater kept a spare character set of understudies for every role.