Introduction to the middle dot Unicode character
U+00B7 is a Unicode character that is used to represent the middle dot character. This character was released in 1993 into Unicode version 1.1, which was located in the Latin-1 Supplement block. It is used in the scripts Avestan and Carian. The character is also known as the midpoint. Its width in East Asian texts is determined by its context. This Unicode character looks like this “·” in a sentence.
What are the Uses of the Middle Dot character?
The U+00B7 Middle Dot is a small dot that can be used for different purposes. It can be used to show spaces in text and chemical formulas. It can be used as follows:
1- Whitespace Indicator
In word processors and text editing software, the middle dot can be used to show spaces where it needed. This can help to see invisible spaces when checking the document’s layout.
Example:
When you turn on the “Show Hidden Characters” feature in Microsoft Word, spaces might appear as · between words.
2- Chemical Formulas
The middle dot separates different parts of a formula in chemistry, like when showing how water is attached to another compound.
Example:
CuSO4·5H2O
This means copper sulfate with 5 water molecules.
3- Linguistic Use
Some languages use the middle dot to separate parts of a word when writing or to show the length of a vowel sound. So you can use U+00B7 Middle Dot to place it in languages. It is mostly used in Catalan.
Example:
In Catalan, it’s used to separate the double L sound:
paral·lel (which means “parallel”).
Unicode character U+00B7 is used in these for pointing a middle dot.
How to insert Unicode 00B7 in HTML?
You can using its HTML entity or its hexadecimal character reference to add a middle dot in HTML. They are both described below
- HTML entity: ·
- Hexadecimal character reference: ·
You can easily insert the middle dot in HTML by putting these entities in the code.
Faqs
Does U+00B7 Middle Dot a symbol or an emoji?
No, the Middle Dot is not an emoji; it is a symbol character. It belongs to the Unicode punctuation category and is used to separate words or attach formulas in chemistry, although emojis are used to represent emotions or icons.
Is Middle Dot Unicode the Same as a Bullet Point?
No, a middle dot “·” and a bullet point “•” are not the same. They can look similar and be displayed as centered dots, but they are used for different purposes. Bullet point is primarily used to create lists. U+00B7 Middle Dot is used for separating words in contexts or separating chemical formulas. They both are central dots; bullet points are slightly larger and bolder than middle dots.
Can we use the middle dot Unicode character in Social Media?
Yes, social media posts can use U+00B7 central dot Unicode characters (・). Because it is a standard Unicode character and is supported on most social media platforms. It can be used for:
- Word separation: Midpoints are punctuation marks used to separate words. You can use them to separate words in English.
Handle/Username: It can be used with a username or handle on some platforms. Therefore, you can easily create a username using this Unicode sign.
