Steno Terms & Definitions

Stenography (steno): Stenography is a shorthand method of recording words. In machine stenography, a writer uses key combinations to represent sounds, words, and phrases quickly.

Steno writer (stenotype machine): A steno writer is a machine used to write steno. Its keyboard lets you press several keys at once. In steno conversations, “writer” often means the machine itself.

Chord: A chord is a combination of keys pressed at once. Writing a steno chord is similar to playing a musical chord on a piano: several keys are pressed together.

Stroke: A stroke is a single recorded steno input made by pressing and releasing a key or combination of keys. A stroke can represent a sound, word, phrase, or command.

Outline: An outline is the stroke or sequence of strokes used to represent a word, phrase, or part of a word. An outline may contain one stroke or several strokes.

Steno theory: Steno theory is the system of rules you learn for representing language with steno strokes. Different theories use different combinations and shortcuts, so follow the theory your program teaches.

Phonetic writing: Phonetic writing represents words according to how they sound. Steno is largely sound-based, but theories also use spelling distinctions, abbreviations, and other conventions.

Steno order: Steno order is the fixed order in which keys are read within a stroke. Standard English steno notation follows this order: STKPWHRAO*EUFRPBLGTSDZ. This is a reading order, not a picture of the keyboard.

Brief: A brief is a memorized shortcut outline for a word or phrase. A brief reduces the amount of writing needed and is not necessarily limited to one stroke.

Phrase (phrasing): Phrasing means writing several words with a combined outline. The strokes used for a phrase depend on your theory and dictionary.

Write out: Writing out a word means using your theory’s regular rules instead of a memorized brief. This helps when you do not know or cannot recall a shortcut.

Fingerspelling: Fingerspelling uses steno combinations to produce individual letters. It is useful for unfamiliar names, initials, and unusual spellings. The combinations vary by theory.

Number bar: The number bar is a bar or key used with designated letter keys to write digits. Some writers and theories also provide other ways to write numbers.

Asterisk (*): The asterisk is a steno key used for functions such as correcting a previous stroke or distinguishing outlines. Its exact use depends on your theory, dictionary, and software.

Misstroke: A misstroke is a stroke that differs from the one you intended to write. It can occur when you press an extra key or leave out a key.

Stacking: Stacking occurs when two intended strokes are recorded as one. Writing technique and writer settings can affect stacking. It differs from intentionally combining words into a phrase.

CAT software: CAT stands for “computer-aided transcription.” CAT software translates steno notes into text and provides tools for editing and preparing transcripts. You may also hear CAT expanded as “computer-aided translation.”

Realtime: Realtime is the translation of steno into readable text as the stenographer writes. It allows people to follow spoken words on a screen as they are delivered.

Steno dictionary: A steno dictionary contains entries that connect steno outlines to words, phrases, punctuation, or software actions. It is a translation resource rather than a book of word definitions.

Personal dictionary: A personal dictionary is your main collection of steno definitions, reflecting your theory, vocabulary, and writing habits. Stenographers update their personal dictionaries as they learn and encounter new material.

Job dictionary: A job dictionary is a dictionary for a particular assignment. It often contains names, organizations, and specialized vocabulary needed for that job.

Conflict: A conflict occurs when an outline is associated with more than one possible translation. Resolving conflicts may involve changing an outline, editing dictionary entries, or using software settings.

Untranslate: An untranslate is steno that remains untranslated instead of appearing as readable words. A missing dictionary entry is one common cause.

Mistranslate: A mistranslate is an incorrect word or phrase produced by steno translation. Unlike an untranslate, it may look like ordinary English even though it does not match what was intended.

Plover: Plover is free, open-source stenography software from the Open Steno community. It translates steno into text that can be entered in other computer applications.

Court reporter: A court reporter is a trained professional who captures spoken proceedings and prepares a verbatim written record. A stenographic court reporter uses a steno writer to capture the words.

Official reporter: An official reporter is a court reporter who works within the court system to record courtroom proceedings and prepare transcripts.

Freelance reporter: A freelance reporter is a court reporter hired for assignments such as depositions, arbitrations, hearings, or meetings. Freelance reporters may work independently or through a reporting firm.

Deposition: A deposition is testimony given by a witness under oath outside the courtroom. A court reporter commonly records it and prepares a transcript.

Transcript: A transcript is a written record of spoken proceedings. A finished legal transcript is prepared and checked separately from a live realtime feed.

Readback: Readback is the act of reading captured words aloud from steno notes, either to review your writing or to repeat part of the proceedings on request.

Scopist: A scopist is a transcript editor who compares a reporter’s steno notes with translated text to find and correct translation errors. Audio may also be used in the editing process.

Proofreader: A proofreader is a person who reviews transcript text for remaining spelling, punctuation, formatting, and other errors.

Captioning and broadcast captioning: Captioning provides text for viewers to read alongside speech. Stenographic captioners create realtime captions for live television, online programming, and other events.

CART: CART stands for “Communication Access Realtime Translation.” This service displays speech as text in classes, meetings, and other settings to support communication access, including access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Student writer: A student writer is a steno machine intended for training. Its storage, dictionary capacity, and other features may differ from those of a professional model. Match the writer to your program’s requirements.

Professional writer: A professional writer is a steno machine intended for working reporters or captioners. Recording, storage, backup, and connection features vary by model.

Realtime connection: A realtime connection is the link that sends strokes from a writer to a computer as you write. It may use USB, a serial connection, or a supported wireless connection. Compatibility depends on the machine and software.

Depth of stroke: Depth of stroke is the distance a writer’s keys travel when pressed. It is also called key depth or stroke depth. Adjustment options depend on the model.

Key tension: Key tension describes how soft or firm the keys feel when pressed. It affects the effort needed to depress them.

Key sensitivity: Key sensitivity describes how readily a key registers a press. It differs from key tension and travel depth. Some writers allow sensitivity to be adjusted for individual keys.

Dictation: Dictation is spoken material that you listen to and write in steno for practice or testing. It may be recorded or delivered live.

Speedbuilding: Speedbuilding is practice aimed at writing spoken material at increasing speeds while maintaining accuracy. It builds on the theory you have already learned.

WPM: WPM stands for “words per minute.” It measures the speed at which spoken practice or test material is delivered. It differs from strokes per minute because a stroke can represent more than one word.

Q&A (testimony): Q&A means question-and-answer material, often involving an attorney and a witness. In practice and testing, it helps you learn to follow transitions between speakers.

Literary: Literary material consists of continuous spoken prose, such as a speech or passage. It is commonly used as a category of steno practice and testing.

Jury charge: A jury charge consists of a judge’s instructions to a jury. In steno training and testing, the term also describes practice material based on that style of speech.

NCRA: NCRA stands for “National Court Reporters Association.” It is a professional association that provides education, resources, and certifications for court reporters and captioners.

RPR: RPR stands for “Registered Professional Reporter.” It is NCRA’s foundational certification for stenographic court reporters.

RMR: RMR stands for “Registered Merit Reporter.” It is an advanced NCRA skills certification for court reporters.

CRR: CRR stands for “Certified Realtime Reporter.” It is an NCRA certification demonstrating proficiency in realtime reporting.

CRC: CRC stands for “Certified Realtime Captioner.” It is an NCRA certification for stenographic broadcast and CART captioners.