Advanced Nemeth Code
Abbreviations
Identifying Abbreviations

There is usually a different typeface on variables than abbreviations. Variables
are usually italicized. Before beginning transcription, take a close look at the
typeface used in the text.

Abbreviations may be followed by periods or spaced away from the surrounding
text. This isn’t always the case.

Look for a definition in the surrounding text. Many times, an abbreviation is
defined in the text before the first occurrence.

Check for a section in the back of the textbook that lists abbreviations.

Letters are sometimes used as a temporary placeholder for an actual value.
Examples: A = Area, L = Length, W = Width. The values change depending on
the problem.

If you are still not sure if an item is an abbreviation or not, Section 49b of the
Nemeth code tells us to treat it as if it were not an abbreviation. Stay consistent
throughout the text once you have made a decision.
What do you notice about the typeface in the problem below?
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 1 This is an example of a listing of abbreviations in a physics book:
Rules for abbreviations can be found in Nemeth Code Sections 49-54.
Rules for abbreviations:

Abbreviations are punctuated in literary mode.

Abbreviations are spaced away from operation signs.

No space should be left between an abbreviation and its period, a slash line or
any symbol of grouping, indicator, punctuation, fraction line, termination,
grouping or superscript or subscript which applies to the abbreviation. A space
must be left in all other cases.

If no space appears between two components of an abbreviation, no space
should be left in print. Example: sq.ft.

When abbreviations have a superscript or subscript, the punctuation indicator is
required.

The contraction for "in." or "in" must never be used for inches.
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 2 
The English letter indicator must be used before an abbreviation which consists of one
letter or a combination of letters corresponding to a short form word if the abbreviation is
not followed by a period that applies to it.
Example of spacing with signs of operation:
ImzfjbqzP=Im=Kh=@O]GPKR=`j=HO]GSKT=`j=
==Im=Kh=@TKM=`j=HNPKQ=`j=
==Im=Kh=@OMKQ=`j=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 3 
The letter indicator is required for the abbreviation for meter below. The period
does not apply to the abbreviation, it ends a sentence. See Section 51 in the
Code book.

In a) and c), the abbreviation has a superscript. The punctuation indicator is
required.
@PM|Q=I>=[b^=E^=i[db=sbdbq^@=d[aR=V=^=
====mzplkDp=v[a=j^v=O=
==X^F=@OMM=Xj{O|Q=
==X_F=@MKR=e^Q=
==X`F=@MKMO=hj{O|Q=

When it is doubtful whether the period applies to the abbreviation, the period
should be considered as applying to the abbreviation. In the example below, the
textbook wasn’t consistent in using punctuation, so this falls into the doubtful
category. Notice that the letter indicator isn't used on m. below. This can be
found in the Code book, Section 51.
@NT|Q=I^k=bnrfi^qz^i=qof^kdibO=?l=pfab=
==fp=@PNKQ=jQ=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 4 
In the example below, the Greek symbol for Sigma is used. It is helpful to look
at the back of the textbook for Greek letters. Fonts are not always the same from
book to book and not always the same as the Code book.

Italicized typeface is used for variables. Abbreviations (newton, kilogram, meter
and second) are not italicized.

Abbreviations are unspaced from the fraction line, slash and closing fraction
indicator.
^Xu=Kh=\KIpIcXu?Lj@=
==Kh=\UKT=XIkLMKPM=hd@=Kh=@OV=Xj|LXp{O=

Greek symbols from the back of the book:
In the example below, the abbreviation is unspaced from the slash.
22 ft./sec
@OO=cqQ|Lpb`Q=
=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 5 
This is another example of an abbreviation that is used in a fraction. The Greek
symbol for upsilon is used below. Notice that m/s is spaced away from the
closing parentheses that come before it, but not the slash that they are attached
to in print. The abbreviation is also unspaced from the fraction line. In this case,
it is runover to the next line, but is still considered unspaced.

This is a complex fraction because of the m/s.

Because the fraction is divided at the plus, it must be divided at the fraction line
and every equals.

This is a linked expression.
==KIplirXk=I>=^sz^db=pmbA=E>=?mf`ibp=fp=
>=prj=E>=pmbAp=afsfaA=M>=qlq^i=krj_z=E=
?mf`ibpP=
==KrW=
====Kh=I\ERKMMHUKMMHNOKMHNOKMHNOKMHNQKM=
======HNQKMHNTKMHOMKMF=Xj|LXp=
======ILVI@=
====Kh=@NOKT=Xj|LXp=
Find the error in the example below
Is=Kh=@Q=`j=G=P=`j=Kh=@NO=`j{P=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 6 Which of the following are abbreviations? Do they require the letter sign? Which letters
are variables, which do not require the letter sign?

The example below is an abbreviation which requires the punctuation indicator.
Notice that 19 cm is punctuated in literary mode, the superscript in 114 cm
makes the punctuation indicator necessary in the second abbreviation.

The number 114 is moved down to the next line, a number and its abbreviation
must be on the same line.
@PM|Q=I>=_^pb=fp=@NV=`jN=C>=[b^=fp=
==@NNQ=`j{O|Q=IcVa=>=ebfYqQ=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 7 
The example below is another example of when a number and the
accompanying abbreviation won't fit on the same line.

Notice that the abbreviation for Fahrenheit appears to be unspaced in print. A
space is inserted in braille because a space is required before and after the
abbreviation. Punctuation is literary.
@RP|Q=I^=p`fRqfL=?tH=aroH=>=prjjz=^q=>=
==Ipy\=Imlib=LIk=klqbp=q=>=qbjmz^qrob=fp=
==^_=J@ON{KG=XIcQ=IaroH=>=tVqz=Bb=`=
==bumb`q=>=qbjmz^qrob=S_b=w=jG=w=
==@RT{KG=XIc=`liazQ=IW^q=qbjmz^qrob=jfYq=
==Bb=bumb`q=aroH=>=tVqzU=
=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 8 Typeform Indicators
Type-Form Indicators for Letters, Numerals and Compound
Expressions
|=Boldface type (dots 456)
K=Italic type (dots 46)

The effect of a type-form indicator only extends to the letter which immediately
follows it. In a sequence of unspaced letters, the indicator must be used each
time. This can be found in Nemeth Code Section 41.
AB
|XI^|XI_=
A+B+C
|XI^H|XI_H|XI`=
pqrs
m|Xn|Xop=

The type-form indicator must be used to show the numerals are printed in a type
form other than regular type.
4
|@Q=
=
7
K@T=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 9 
The effect of the type-form indicator with numerals extends until there is a
change in type. The appropriate type-form indicator and the numeric indicator
must be used before each change in type.
200+400+600 = 1200
|@O@MMH|@Q@MMH|@S@MM=Kh=|@NO@MM=
Type-Form Indicators for Words, Phrases, and Mathematical
Statements
ID|=Opening boldface type (dots 6, 3, 456)
IDK Opening italic type (dots 6, 3, 46)
|ID=Closing boldface type (dots 456, 6, 3)
KID=Closing italic type (dots 46, 6, 3)

When words, phrases or mathematical statements are in bold typeface, the
Nemeth bold indicator is used.

Nemeth Sections 33-34: When ink-print shows a boldface word or phrase within
an unlabeled item, or when it shows an italicized phrase which either begins
or ends with a mathematical expression, the appropriate type form indicators
must be used.

A clarification of compound words can be found at the BANA website. It is
attached to the end of this document.
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 10 
This is an example of bold words within a paragraph. This textbook put new
terms in bold type.
nr^ifq^qfsbN=^=ID|=GfJpnr[b=qbL=Z=
^ppl`fIk=|ID=`=O=rpA=S^ppbpp=Wb>o=>=
obiIkBfm=Oq=>=qtl=s[f^@p=fp=pfdkfcf`^kqQ=
I\=GfJpnr[b=qbL=fp=EqR=`^iiA=>=ID|=qbL=E=
VabmRaXb=|ID=O`=>=krii=evml>pfp=t=O=>=
=

If it becomes necessary to use two typeform indicators consecutively, they must
be unspaced from each other.
ID|IDK=afob`Xk=E=buqobjb=KID|ID=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 11 
The example below is an italicized phrase that ends with a letter. The letter y is
not part of a phrase, variables are frequently italicized throughout the text. The x
is part of an italicized phrase, italics are maintained on the x. The Nemeth italic
indicator is used here.
In such situations, y is said to vary directly as x (in the first case) or
vary inversely as x (in the second case).
=
IV=pG=pfqrIkpN=Xv=fp=pa=ql=IDK=s[v=afob`qiv=
w=Xu=KID=Efk=>=cL=`^pbF=IDK=lo=s[v=Vszpbiv=w=
Xu=KID=Efk=>=pb`lka=`^pbF|Q=
=
=

In the example below, the italicized phrase ends with a number. Nemeth italics
are used here.
I^k^p^wf=jfdoIkpN=rkqfi=cVIv=|>=mrb_il=
eljbp=T=Jmibqbiv=^_ClkAQ=I>=abifYqXi=
_llh=IDK=Imol`bAHp=E>=I^k^p^wf=
IpvjmlpfrjN=@NVUNI=KID=mr_ifBA=MIjbp^=
Iszab=Ijrpbrj=I^ppl`fIkN=Pq^Vp=^=s=
VqzbLH=Q`rpKk=^_=jb\lap=^k\olmlildfLp=
rpb=ql=E^mmolufj^qbivF=
=

In the example below, only the word sequence is bold.
(or sequence)
Elo=ID|=pbnrXb=|IDF=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 12 
In the example below, Section 5.4 requires the Nemeth bold indicator.

Because the italicized portion is only the words First, Outer, Inner, Last, literary
italics are used.
(Recall from Section 5.4 that FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last)
EIob`^ii=c=ID|=Ipb`Xk=@RKQ=|ID=q=IIclfi=
LCp=Z=KKIcLN=IyqzN=IVkzN=KIi^LF=
=

In the example below, numbers are in italics, but do not begin or end the phrase.
Literary italics are used here.
CAUTION Only Quadratic equations solved for y (whose graphs are vertical
parabolas) are examples of functions. The horizontal parabolas in Examples 8 and
9 are not graphs of functions, because they do not satisfy the vertical line test.
==II`^rXk=Ilkiv=Inr^ao^qf`=bnrIkp=plisA=
Z=Xv=E{W=do^mep=[b=szqf`^i=m[^_li^pF=[b=
bu^jmibp=E=crk`XkpQ=KKI>=elofwlkq^i=
m[^_li^p=V=Ibu^jmibp=@U=C=@V=[b=k=do^mep=
E=Kcrk`XkpN=O`=>v=a=k=p^qfpcv=>=szqf`^i=
iVb=qbLQ=


The example below ends with parentheses. The Nemeth italic indicator is used
here, after the italics.
The ampersand is not mathematical, the literary ampersand is used.
j?lv=lk=IDK=obpb[G=C=absbilmXq=
EIo]CIaF|Q=KID=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 13 Labeled Statements

The example below is a labeled Statement. Examples of labeled statements are
theorems, definitions, axioms and lemmas.

The labels are transcribed as though they were entirely capitalized. The word or
phrase singled out for definition is transcribed using the typeform shown in print.

The format for the definitions is 3/1. The paragraph between the definitions is a
regular paragraph, and is in 3/1,

The bold indicator for the first example (the word coordinate) is moved to the next
line. The indicator must be on the line with at least part of the expression that it
applies to.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT=
==IIabcVfXk=I>=krj_z=^ppl`f^qA=F^=mlVq=
lk=>=oNi=krj_z=iVb=fp=`^iiA=>=
ID|=`lloaV^qb=|ID=E=q=mlVqQ=
dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd=
==IV=>=mob`AH=bu^jmibN=>=krj_zp=\NLO@I=
\PLQ@I=@OKRI=J@PKRI=C=J@N|\NLQ|@=[b=>=
`lloaV^qbp=E>=mlVqp=>v=obmobpRqQ=
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT=
==IIabcVfXk=I>=krj_zp=q=`=O=obmobpRqA=F=
mlVqp=lk=>=oNi=krj_z=iVb=[b=`^iiA=
ID|=oNi=krj_zpQ=|ID=
dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 14 Signs of Shape for Omission

Use the rules for signs of shape in Nemeth Code Sections 106-114 for shapes
that show a blank to be filled in.

Follow print for the type of shape that is used.

Shape symbols that represent omission are spaced like what the omitted item
represents.

In the example below, no spaces are used before or after the squares that are
part of the fraction.
@O|Q=Icfii=V=>=_i^khp=p=q=b^G=bnr^iXv=fp=
====qorbQ=Ifc=mlppf@N=rpb=vo=co^`Xk=
====Lofmp=SGb`h=vo=?tQ=
==\PLQ@=Kh=\P]GAQLQ]GAQ@=Kh=\VLNO@=
==\RLS@=Kh=\R]GAQLS]GAQ@=Kh=\AQLNO@=
==\RLU@=Kh=\R]GAQLU]GAQ@=Kh=\NRLAQ@=
==\TLQM@=Kh=\T]GAQLQM]GAQ@=Kh=\AQLQM@=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 15 
In the problem below, the multipurpose indicator must be used between an
operation symbol when it is represented by a symbol for a regular polygon and a
numeral which follows. This can be found in Section 177 of the Code.
9 □ 4 = 36
@VAQ?Q=Kh=@PS=

In the example below, the circle is holding the place for the greater than or less
than symbol. Signs of comparison require a space before and after. The
numeric indicator must be repeated after a sign of comparison (or shape
representing the sign).

Notice that the word for is uncontracted because it is in contact with a sign of
comparison.
XI`|Q=Irpb=>=krj_z=iVb=SJmibqb=b^G=
====L^qbXqQ=Irpb=>=pvj_li=KN=clo=doqz=
====\^k=C>=pvj_li=?h=clo=ibpp=\^kQ=
==J@N=A`=J@O=
==J@V=A`=J@R=
==J@P=A`=@O=
==@NO=A`=J@U=
==@M=A`=J@O=
==@T=A`=@M=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 16 
In the first and second examples below, the square represents a number to be
filled in. Because the square follows a sign of comparison, a space must be left
before the shape.

In the third and fourth examples, the square represents a superscript to be filled
in. A superscript is unspaced from the number that it applies to.
XI_|Q=IV=loaz=Se=^=PpfLRq=pvLbjN=>=mxz=E=
====qR=q=fp=bnr^i=ql=@N=fp=abcVA=S_b=
====@NM{M|Q=IV=c^`qN=\=fp=qorb=Z=^kv=
====_^pbQ=IWR=^kv=_^pb=fp=o^fpA=S>=wzl=
====mxzN=u=fp=abcVA=S_b=@N|Q=IJmibqb=b^G=
====L^qbXqQ=
==@R{M=Kh=AQ=
==@OR{M=Kh=AQ=
==@RM{AQ=Kh=@N=
==@RMM{AQ=Kh=@N=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 17 
In work that is arranged spatially for computation, only the general omission
indicator (dots 123456) is used. Signs of shape are not used in this type of
problem. The number of general omission symbols must be the same as shown
in print. (Section 58, Nemeth Code)
==Ialbp=u=j^qqz=?W=Bb=mi^`bp=>=@P=C>=
@Q|U=I>=@R=C>=@S|U=IScVa=yN=IPkfb=
jriqfmifA=@OP]GNQ=C=@OQ]GNP|Q=IW=fp=
pj^iizU=IPkfb=oNplkA=q=pV`b=@OP]GNQ=fp=j=
\^k=@OQ]GNPI=Bb=ta=dbq=^=pj^iiz=molar`q=
fc=Bb=mi^`A=>=@P=C=@Q=w=Bxk=OiQ=
=
=====OQZ=
===]GNPZ=
==PPPPPPP=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 18 
In the example below, the filled-in shape indicator is used. This is shown by
using dots 456 before a filled shape. If the shape is shaded, dots 46 are used.
This can be found in Section 108 of the Nemeth Code.

Spacing is the same as the sign of comparison that the shape represents.

Notice that the word with is uncontracted even though is does not appear on the
same line as the greater than symbol that it is next to. Contractions are not used
in direct contact with a sign of comparison, even though there is a space.
Nemeth Code, Section 55.
====IJmibqb=b^G=j^>j^qf`^i=L^qbXq=tfqe=
==KNI=?hI=lo=Kh|Q=
X^|Q=@NP=A|Q=J@R=
X_|Q=@M=A|Q=J@S=
X`|Q=J@Q=A|Q=@P=
Xa|Q=@MKUP=A|Q=@MKUQ=
Xb|Q=yJQy=A|Q=@Q=
Xc|Q=J@O=A|Q=J\SLP@=
Xd|Q=@NMM=A|Q=J@NMM=
Xe|Q=yJQy=A|Q=J@Q=
Xf|Q=J@MKT=A|Q=J@MKTR=
Xg|Q=J@MKR=A|Q=J@NKR=
Xh|Q=J\OLP@=A|Q=@M=
Xi|Q=J@NIMMM=A|Q=J@NIMMN=
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 19 
What would you do with the blobs that represent spilled ice cream below?

How would these be spaced?

What would you do with this?
Mary Denault CTEBVI 2010 Page 20 Addendum to
The Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation
1972 Revision, 2007 Update
RULE V – TYPE FORMS
§32. Use of Type-Form Indicators with Letters, Numerals, and Compound Expressions:
[page 38] Change the first sentence to read:
c. (09-09) Subject to the provisions of §34, when a numeral is joined to a following or
preceding word or abbreviation by a hyphen and the whole expression is printed in nonregular type, the appropriate type-form indicator must be used before the first term only, but
affects the entire compound expression.
[page 39] additional examples
|I`^o_lkJ@NQ=
Carbon-14
KI`^o_lkJ@NQ=
Carbon-14
|I`^o_lkIDJ@NQ=
Carbon-14==I`[_lkJ|@NQ=
Carbon-14
KI`^o_lkJ|@NQ=
c. (5) Carbon-14
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
§33. Use of Type-Form Indicators with Words, Phrases, and Mathematical Statements:
[page 40] Change the paragraph to read:
b. (09-09) A phrase is a sequence of two or more words, mathematical expressions, or a
combination of words and mathematical expressions. Subject to the provisions of §34, when
the ink-print shows a boldface word or phrase within unlabeled text, or when it shows an
italicized phrase which either begins or ends with a mathematical expression, the appropriate
type-form indicators must be used according to the rules in a. above. When the ink-print
shows an italicized word or an italicized phrase consisting of one or more items which both
begins and ends with a word, the rules of English Braille concerning italics must be observed.
However, this does not apply to a compound expression (see §32c). If the ink-print shows an
italicized phrase consisting of three items which both begins and ends with a word, each item
must be individually italicized using the appropriate italics indicator for the item.
[page 41] additional examples:
b.
(6) We drove 15 miles.
Itb=aolsb=IDK=@NR=jfibpQ=KID=
(7) We went to the Cinema 18.
Itb=tRq=S>=IDK=I`Vbj^=@NU|Q=KID=
(8) I lost an even 10 pounds.
If=ilL=^k=KbsR=K@NM=KmKapQ=
(9) I lost an even ten pounds.
If=ilL=^k=KbsR=KqR=KmKapQ=
(10) In the solution only x2 > 0 values are applicable. (phrase consisting of three items)
IV=>=plirXk=Klkiv=IDK=u{O=KN=@M=KID=
Ks^irbp=[b=^mmif`^@Q=
RULE VIII – ABBREVIATIONS
§49a. Abbreviations: (09-09)
[page 55] change braille example
v. Example (3) The B & O Railroad.
I>=XI_=]C=XIl=Io^fiol^aQ=
RULE XIX – SIGNS AND SYMBOLS OF OPERATION
[page 130] change braille example
§129. Ampersand (09-09)
(1) AT&T
=II^q]CIq==(literary context)
RULE XX – SIGNS AND SYMBOLS OF COMPARISON
[page 136] Add to the print description
Simple Comparison Signs
Vertical Bar (such that, given)
[page 143] additional example
§145. Vertical Bar:
(4) P (A | B)
ImEI^=y=I_F=