rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypicaPrinting measure
noun

pica

A unit of printing measurement equal to twelve points.

The designer leaves a gap of one pica between columns.

Etymology
picaProbable sourceLatina magpie

Probably connected with pica as a name for an ecclesiastical reference book, later applied to type size. The naming history is uncertain.

More examples

  • This margin measures six picas.
  • Set the paragraph indent to one pica.
  • One pica equals twelve points.

Forms

pica · picas

Similar words

point
A smaller printing unit; twelve points equal one pica.
inch
A general length unit equal to six standard picas.