HTML Entity for Inverted S (∾)

Beginner
⏱️ 5 min read
📚 Updated: Jun 2026
🎯 1 Code Example
Unicode U+223E

What You'll Learn

How to display the Inverted S symbol (∾) in HTML using hexadecimal, decimal, named entity, and CSS escape methods. Also called the inverted lazy S, it appears in mathematical notation and is sometimes used for alternating current (AC) in electrical notation.

This character is U+223E in the Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF). Render it with ∾, ∾, ∾, or CSS \223E.

⚡ Quick Reference — Inverted S Entity

Unicode U+223E

Mathematical Operators block

Hex Code ∾

Hexadecimal reference

HTML Code ∾

Decimal reference

Named Entity ∾

Most readable option

Reference Table
Name           Value
────────────   ──────────
Unicode        U+223E
Hex code       ∾
HTML code      ∾
Named entity   ∾
CSS code       \223E
Meaning        Inverted lazy S (∾)
Example        AC: ∾ signal
1

Complete HTML Example

This example demonstrates the Inverted S symbol (∾) using hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, the named entity, and a CSS content escape:

html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
 <style>
  #point:after{
   content: "\223E";
  }
 </style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Inverted S using Hexadecimal: &#x223E;</p>
<p>Inverted S using Decimal: &#8766;</p>
<p>Inverted S using Named Entity: &ac;</p>
<p id="point">Inverted S using CSS Entity: </p>
</body>
</html>
Try it Yourself

🌐 Browser Support

The Inverted S symbol (∾) is universally supported in all modern browsers:

Chrome 1+
Firefox 1+
Safari 1+
Edge 12+
Opera 4+
Android 4.4+
iOS Safari 1+

👀 Live Preview

See the Inverted S (∾) in mathematical and technical contexts:

Math Inverted lazy S operator: ∾
Electrical Alternating current: ∾ (AC)
Large glyph
Named entity &ac; → ∾
Numeric refs &#x223E; &#8766; \223E

🧠 How It Works

1

Hexadecimal Code

&#x223E; uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 223E to display the Inverted S symbol. The x prefix indicates hexadecimal format.

HTML markup
2

Decimal HTML Code

&#8766; uses the decimal Unicode value 8766 to display the same character. This is one of the most commonly used methods.

HTML markup
3

CSS Entity

\223E is used in CSS stylesheets, particularly in the content property of pseudo-elements like ::before and ::after.

CSS stylesheet
4

Named Entity

&ac; is the named HTML entity for the inverted lazy S (often used for alternating current in electrical context)—easy to read in source markup.

HTML markup
=

Same visual result

All four methods produce (∾). Unicode U+223E is in Mathematical Operators. Next: Iota (ι).

Use Cases

The Inverted S symbol (∾) commonly appears in the following scenarios:

📐 Mathematics

Expressions and notation that use the inverted lazy S (∾) as an operator or symbol.

⚡ Electrical

Denote alternating current (AC) in diagrams, textbooks, or technical docs with ∾.

📄 Technical Docs

Manuals, papers, and specs that include this symbol in formulas or notation.

✏️ Typography

Distinctive inverted S shape in typography, logos, or design.

📚 Linguistics

Phonetic or linguistic notation where an inverted S is required.

📊 Reference

Character maps, symbol pickers, and entity reference content.

💡 Best Practices

Do

  • Prefer &ac; for readable source markup
  • Use ∾ for its intended meaning (math or AC); add brief context if needed
  • Set <meta charset="utf-8">
  • Use one entity style (named, hex, or decimal) per project
  • Ensure fonts support Mathematical Operators (U+223E)

Don’t

  • Mix entity styles randomly in one file
  • Assume every font renders ∾ correctly
  • Use CSS \223E inside HTML text nodes
  • Confuse ∾ (inverted lazy S) with unrelated S-shaped symbols
  • Use &ac; without context when meaning is ambiguous

Key Takeaways

1

Four HTML/CSS references all render ∾

&#x223E; &#8766; &ac;
2

For CSS stylesheets, use the escape in the content property

\223E
3

Unicode U+223E — INVERTED LAZY S (Mathematical Operators)

4

Prefer &ac; for readability in HTML source

5

Previous: Inverted Question Mark   Next: Iota

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Use &#x223E; (hex), &#8766; (decimal), &ac; (named), or \223E in CSS content. All produce ∾.
U+223E (INVERTED LAZY S). Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF). Hex 223E, decimal 8766. Also used for AC in some electrical notation.
In mathematical notation, electrical or physics notation (e.g. alternating current), typography, academic and technical documentation, and any content that requires the inverted lazy S (∾).
HTML entities (&#8766; or &ac;) go directly in markup. The CSS escape \223E is used in stylesheets, typically in the content property of ::before or ::after. Same visual result, different layers of the stack.
Yes. &ac;, &#8766;, and &#x223E; are equivalent in modern browsers and all render ∾.

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About the author

Mari Selvan M P
Mari Selvan M P 🔗

Developer, cloud engineer, and technical writer

  • Experience 12 years building web and cloud systems
  • Focus Full Stack Development, AWS, and Developer Education

I write practical tutorials so students and working developers can learn by doing—from databases and APIs to deployment on AWS.

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