Definition

A type of manuscript or writing surface that has been used multiple times, where the previous writing is often still visible after being partially erased.

Example

The ancient scroll was a palimpsest, revealing layers of text from different eras.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a palimpsest?

Yeah, it’s that old manuscript that has writing underneath, right?

Exactly! It's fascinating how you can see the layers of history.

Totally, it's like a window into the past.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Palimpsest → It is formed from "palin-" (from Greek "palin", meaning again) and "psestai" (from Greek "psesthai", meaning to scrape). The word refers to a manuscript that has been scraped clean and reused, thus written on again.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'written on again' — 'palin-' means again, and 'psestai' means to scrape, which helps you remember that a palimpsest is a manuscript that has been reused.

Visually Confused Words