Speedwriting

Speedwriting, writing method that uses the letters of the alphabet in a shortened form. Each letter corresponds with a sound, which in longhand often is made up of a cluster of letters. For example, the letter a is pronounced like the word ate; therefore, fa would stand for fate, stra would stand for straight, etc. Because of fewer (though familiar) letter and sound relationships employed, a person may write what is dictated quickly. Emma B. Dearborn invented this trademarked method of shorthand writing in 1923.

See also: Shorthand.