-Meta is the name of a modifier bit which a command character may have.
-It is present in a character if the character is typed with the
-@key{META} key held down. Such characters are given names that start
-with @kbd{Meta-} (usually written @kbd{M-} for short). For example,
-@kbd{M-<} is typed by holding down @key{META} and at the same time
-typing @kbd{<} (which itself is done, on most terminals, by holding
-down @key{SHIFT} and typing @kbd{,}). @xref{User Input,Meta}.
+Meta is the name of a modifier bit which you can use in a command
+character. To enter a meta character, you hold down the @key{META}
+key while typing the character. We refer to such characters with
+names that start with @kbd{Meta-} (usually written @kbd{M-} for
+short). For example, @kbd{M-<} is typed by holding down @key{META}
+and at the same time typing @kbd{<} (which itself is done, on most
+terminals, by holding down @key{SHIFT} and typing @kbd{,}).
+@xref{User Input,Meta}.
+
+On some terminals, the @key{META} key is actually labeled @key{ALT}
+or @key{EDIT}.