What does the term "serif" refer to in typography?

The term "serif" in typography specifically refers to the small decorative stroke or flourish that appears at the ends of letters in certain typefaces. These strokes can enhance the readability of text in print, creating a visual connection between characters and giving a sense of formality and tradition to the typeface. Serif fonts are often used in printed materials, such as books and newspapers, due to their classic aesthetic and readability over extended passages of text. This characteristic makes serif typefaces distinct from sans-serif fonts, which do not include these embellishments and often convey a more modern and cleaner look. Understanding this distinction is crucial for graphic designers when selecting typefaces for different design contexts.