Codex - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A codex is an ancient manuscript in book form, made of handwritten pages bound together. It replaced scrolls and was an early precursor to modern books.
Definition:
An ancient manuscript book, especially of Scripture or classical texts, written by hand.
Synonyms:
manuscript, tome, volume, scroll
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
digital text, loose leaf
Common Collocations:
ancient codex, medieval codex, religious codex, illuminated codex, Mayan codex
Derivatives:
codices (plural), codicology (study of codices)
Usage Tips:
Use "codex" to refer to historical handwritten books; avoid for modern printed or digital texts.
Common Phrases:
Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, Dresden Codex
Etymology:
From Latin "caudex" (tree trunk, wooden tablet), later meaning a book formed from bound pages.
Examples:
- 1. The archaeologist discovered a rare codex in the ruins.
- 2. This medieval codex contains beautifully illustrated religious texts.
- 3. Scholars study the Codex Gigas for its historical significance.
- 4. The library’s oldest codex dates back to the 5th century.