Incunabula

Pronunciation: /ˌɪŋkjəˈnæbjʊlə/

Definitions of incunabula

noun books, pamphlets, or broadsides that were printed before the year 1501

Example Sentences

A1 Incunabula are early printed books or manuscripts produced before 1501.

A2 The library's collection includes a few rare incunabula from the 15th century.

B1 Scholars study incunabula to understand the history of printing and book production.

B2 The exhibition at the museum showcases a selection of valuable incunabula.

C1 The university's special collections department houses a significant number of incunabula.

C2 Researchers are conducting a detailed analysis of the typography used in different incunabula.

Examples of incunabula in a Sentence

formal The library's collection includes rare incunabula dating back to the 15th century.

informal I found some really old books, like incunabula, at the antique store.

slang Check out these ancient incunabula books I scored at the thrift shop!

figurative The discovery of the ancient manuscript was like finding literary incunabula.

Grammatical Forms of incunabula

• plural: incunabula
• comparative: more incunabulous
• superlative: most incunabulous
• present tense: incunabulates
• future tense: will incunabulate
• perfect tense: has incunabulated
• continuous tense: is incunabulating
• singular: incunabulum
• positive degree: incunabula
• infinitive: to incunabulate
• gerund: incunabulating
• participle: incunabulated

Origin and Evolution of incunabula

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'incunabula' comes from the Latin word 'incunabulum', meaning 'swaddling clothes' or 'cradle'. It was used metaphorically to refer to the early stages or beginnings of something.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'incunabula' came to specifically refer to books printed before 1501, during the early period of printing in Europe. It is now commonly used to describe any early printed books or manuscripts.