jaggies

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

jaggies
 /jag'eez/, n.

   The `stairstep' effect observable when an edge (esp. a linear edge of
   very shallow or steep slope) is rendered on a pixel device (as opposed
   to a vector display).

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

jaggies
staircase
staircasing

   <graphics> /jag'eez/ (Or "staircase") The "staircase" effect
   observable when an edge (especially a linear edge of very
   shallow or steep slope) is rendered on a {bitmap display} (as
   opposed to a {vector display}).  The effect is even more
   pronounced when a bitmap image or text in a bitmap font is
   enlarged.  {Outline fonts} and {anti-aliasing} are two
   techniques used to solve this problem with text.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1997-12-01)