The concept of pen is used in several South American countries to refer to different elements with similar characteristics. In this way, the meaning of pen changes depending on the region .
A pen can be a fountain pen , also known as a fountain pen or stylus . It is a writing device that has a built-in cartridge or refillable tank with liquid ink .
Due to atmospheric pressure, the ink is kept inside the cartridge or reservoir of the pen. Through capillarity, in turn, the liquid passes from said space to the nib that moves over the paper to create the line.
It is estimated that the origins of this type of pen date back to the 10th century . Over the years the system was perfected. The ease and fluidity of writing are the most notable features of these pens.
The notion of pen, on the other hand, is used to refer to the ballpoint pen (called a pen or birome in some regions). This instrument contains a special ink in a tube that, at its tip , has a small metal sphere that rotates freely.
With its own movement while the pen moves, the ball doses the ink output. To protect the tip and prevent it from staining, it is common for the pen to have a cap or have a mechanism to retract the end.
It is interesting that the world's first ballpoint pens were made in Europe in the 20th century. Specifically, it was in 1942 when they were shaped and then began to reach other corners of the world such as Australia.
In addition to pens, these pens also have other names in other places on the planet. Thus, for example, in Honduras they are called ink pencils, in Bolivia they are known as puntabola and in Brazil or Portugal they also respond to the name caneta.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that in Spain, specifically in some of its autonomous communities, the term in question is also used. Specifically, it is used to refer to what is popularly known as a mechanical pencil. This is a mechanical pencil with which you can write or draw.
It works thanks to a lead, a very thin graphite rod, which is inserted inside the aforementioned pen and which is mechanically propelled through a hole to be able to write. Mines that can be found for sale with different diameters so that they can adapt to the work to be carried out.
This mechanical pencil has the advantage that it does not require the use of a pencil sharpener . And when the aforementioned lead runs out, you just have to insert another one into that instrument, which has its origins back in the early 19th century. It is exactly known that it was created in 1822 by John Hawkins and Sampson Mordan.
Pen holder, finally, can refer to a pen holder : the handle in which a metal pen is installed for drawing or writing.