word wrap

word wrap

A word processing feature that moves words to the next line automatically as you type based on the current right margin setting. Some word processing programs allow word wrap to be turned off for writing source code. Of course, for customized spacing, you can always press Enter for a hard return just as in the old typewriter days. See hard return.

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word wrap [′wərd ‚rap]

(computer science)

A procedure whereby a word processor automatically ends each line when it is full and starts the next line with the next word, never breaking a word. Also known as wrap mode.

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(text)

word wrap - A feature of word processors and most text editors where a word which would extend past the right hand margin is moved to the following line. This is more sophisticated than character wrap which only moves to the next line for the first character past the right margin and thus will break some words in the middle. The program may actually insert a new line in the text at the point where it is wrapped or it may only display it as though it contained a new line at that point.