Did you know that 'palimpsest' is actually Greek?

'Palimpsest' is a word borrowed from Greek 'palimpsēstos'. The word entered the English language some time around 1825.

palimpsest [noun] [1825]

• writing material (as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased
• something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface

Meaning: writing material (as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased; something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface Canada ... is a palimpsest ; an overlay of classes and generations Margaret Atwood.

Etymology: Latin palimpsestus; from Greek palimpsestos scraped again; from palin + psen to rub; scrape; akin to Sanskrit psati; babhasti he chews.

Topics: Arts:Visual.

Origin: From Greek to English.

See 'palimpsest' on the Loan Words Map

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See more loan words from 1800s.