combination of spaces, tabs, or newlines which create "empty" space in a line or column
Whitespace, or white space, is often used to refer to any combination of spaces, tabs, and new lines which create blank (or white, originally referring to the background color behind it) space between text, either horizontally or vertically.
When rendered, a whitespace character does not correspond to a visible mark, but typically does occupy an area on a page.
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