Definition

A book that was printed before the year 1501, often considered valuable because of its age and rarity.

Example

The library has a rare incunabulum that dates back to the 15th century.

Conversation

Have you ever seen an incunabulum in a museum?

No, I haven't! What is it exactly?

It's a book that was printed before 1501, really rare and fascinating.

That sounds amazing! I would love to check one out someday.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Incunabulum is derived from the Latin "incunabula" (meaning swaddling clothes or cradle), which refers to the earliest stages of something, particularly books printed before 1501. The term reflects the idea of being in the cradle of printing, as these works represent the infancy of the printed book.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cradle' ('incunabula') to remember that 'incunabulum' refers to the earliest printed books, as if they are in the cradle of printing.

Visually Confused Words