writing instruments [2]

The first true writing instruments were made by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia nearly 5,000 years ago.

mechanical pencil

Instrument that is made up of a slender tube containing a fine piece of lead; pressing the thrust button moves the lead forward.

fountain pen

Instrument with a metal nib that is attached to a body containing an ink reservoir, usually in the form of a cartridge.

air hole

Opening through which air enters the pen to maintain atmospheric pressure.

barrel

Part that supports the nib and contains the reservoir that supplies the ink.

cap

Screw end that covers the nib when the pen is not in use.

nib

Curved writing point fitted with a device to supply ink.

marker

Bevel-tipped color felt pen of variable size.

pencil

Writing instrument made up of a casing of soft wood around a graphite lead; it can be sharpened easily.