Foxing: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
foxing
[ fษksษชล ]
book condition
Foxing refers to the yellowish-brown spots, stains, or discolorations that appear on the pages of old books and manuscripts. These marks are typically caused by various factors including age, humidity, and the presence of certain chemicals in the paper. The term is commonly used among bibliophiles and conservators when assessing the condition and value of books. Foxing does not affect the text of the book directly, but it can indicate poor preservation conditions.
Synonyms
discoloration, spotting, staining.
Examples of usage
- The collector noted the foxing on the edges of the pages.
- Despite the foxing, the book was still valuable.
- The library's old volumes were plagued with foxing.
- I found a rare edition, but it had some foxing.
Translations
Translations of the word "foxing" in other languages:
๐ต๐น mancha
๐ฎ๐ณ เคงเฅเคเคงเคฒเคพเคชเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Verfรคrbung
๐ฎ๐ฉ noda
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะปัะผะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ plama
๐ฏ๐ต ๅค่ฒ
๐ซ๐ท tache
๐ช๐ธ mancha
๐น๐ท lekeler
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ณ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจูุนุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ skvrna
๐ธ๐ฐ ลกkvrna
๐จ๐ณ ๆฑก็น
๐ธ๐ฎ madeลพ
๐ฎ๐ธ blett
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะดะฐา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฅแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ lษkษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ mancha
Etymology
The term 'foxing' is believed to have originated in the 19th century, although the phenomenon itself is much older. Some theories suggest that the name comes from the resemblance of the reddish-brown spots to the color of a fox's fur. Early book collectors began using the word in reference to the spotted appearance of books and manuscripts, with the condition being considered a detractor from the overall beauty and value of the book. The process of foxing often occurs due to the oxidation of the paper fibers or the presence of mold and mildew. As such, it has been a significant topic among book conservators and collectors as they strive to preserve and protect rare texts. Today, foxing is recognized as a common issue faced by antiquarian book dealers, libraries, and anyone who values the condition of printed materials.