Definition

This term describes a style of writing where the text alternates direction, going from right to left on one line and then from left to right on the next line.

Example

The ancient manuscript was written in boustrophedon, making it unique and challenging to read.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a boustrophedon manuscript before?

No, I haven't! What does that even mean?

It's when the writing goes from right to left and then left to right in alternating lines.

That sounds really interesting! I’d love to see one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

This term describes a style of writing where lines alternate direction, moving from right to left and then from left to right.

Example

The ancient script was written in a boustrophedon style, making it unique and challenging to read.

Conversation

Did you know ancient scripts were often written boustrophedon?

Really? That sounds pretty interesting!

Yeah, it means they alternated directions for each line.

Definition

An old way of writing where the text alternates direction, going from right to left on one line and then from left to right on the next line.

Example

The ancient manuscript was written in boustrophedon, making it unique and challenging to read.

Conversation

Did you know that some ancient cultures used a writing style called boustrophedon?

Really? How did that even work?

They would write one line from left to right and the next line from right to left, like an alternating pattern.

Root Explanation

Boustrophedon → It is formed from "bous" (meaning ox) and "strophe" (meaning turn). The term originally describes the way an ox turns at the end of a furrow while plowing, indicating a back-and-forth writing style.

Memory Tip

Imagine an ox turning ('bous') at the end of a row, which helps you remember that 'boustrophedon' refers to writing that alternates direction, just like the ox plowing.

Visually Confused Words