Definition of "X-height" by Graphic Design Newcastle:
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X-height refers to the height of the lowercase letter "x" in a given typeface, which represents the height of the main body of lowercase letters, excluding ascenders and descenders. It is a key typographic measurement used to determine the visual size and readability of a font. Letters such as a, c, e, m, n, o, r, s, u, v, w, x, and z typically align with the x-height.
A larger x-height generally improves legibility at smaller sizes, while a smaller x-height can give a typeface a more elegant or traditional appearance.