caret

noun

1. a mark (‸) made in written or printed matter to show the place where something is to be inserted.

noun

1. a symbol (‸) used to indicate the place in written or printed matter at which something is to be inserted

n.

“mark in writing to show where something is to be inserted,” 1680s, from Latin caret “there is lacking,” 3rd person singular indicative of carere “to lack” (see caste).