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Each element of a syntax table is an integer that encodes the syntax of one character: the syntax class, possible matching character, and flags. Lisp programs don’t usually work with the elements directly; the Lisp-level syntax table functions usually work with syntax descriptors (see Syntax Descriptors).
The low 8 bits of each element of a syntax table indicate the syntax class.
Class
whitespace
punctuation
word
symbol
open parenthesis
close parenthesis
expression prefix
string quote
paired delimiter
escape
character quote
comment-start
comment-end
inherit
The next 8 bits are the matching opposite parenthesis (if the character has parenthesis syntax); otherwise, they are not meaningful. The next 6 bits are the flags.