What is the term for lowercase letters?

The term for lowercase letters is "minuscules." This term specifically refers to the smaller letter forms used in written language, contrasting with uppercase letters, which are referred to as "majuscules." Understanding the distinction between these two types of letters is essential for recognizing their roles in typography and calligraphy.

While ascenders are parts of lowercase letters that extend above the mean line, such as the stems of letters like 'b' or 'h,' they do not encompass the entirety of lowercase characters. Similarly, majuscules describe uppercase letters and are not related to lowercase. The term "body" is more commonly associated with the overall design or appearance of text rather than specifically identifying lowercase letters. Hence, "minuscules" is the appropriate and accurate term for lowercase letters.