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Papyrus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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papyrus

[pəˈpaɪrəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

ancient writing material

Papyrus is a material similar to thick paper that was used in ancient times as a writing surface. It was made from the pith of the papyrus plant, which was abundant in the Nile Delta of Egypt. The ancient Egyptians used papyrus to make scrolls, which were an early form of books.

Synonyms

ancient paper, scroll, writing material.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
papyrus

Refers to a type of plant found in ancient Egypt that was used to make a form of ancient paper. Often used in historical or archaeological contexts.

  • The ancient Egyptians wrote on papyrus.
  • The museum displayed a beautifully preserved papyrus.
scroll

Refers to a rolled piece of writing material, which can be made from papyrus, parchment, or paper. Often used in the context of ancient documents that were rolled up for storage.

  • The scroll contained detailed records from the dynasty.
  • She carefully unrolled the fragile scroll to read the ancient text.
writing material

A general term for any substance used for writing on, including paper, papyrus, parchment, and more. Used in broader contexts that do not specify the material type.

  • The archaeologist collected samples of various writing materials.
  • Different writing materials were used throughout history for documenting information.
ancient paper

Describes paper-like materials used in ancient times, broader term than 'papyrus' and can refer to similar materials from different cultures like Chinese rice paper.

  • Scholars studied various forms of ancient paper to understand old scripts.
  • The ancient paper was fragile and required special handling.

Examples of usage

  • Papyrus was the primary writing material in ancient Egypt.
  • The scrolls made from papyrus were fragile and had to be handled with care.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'papyrus'

The word 'papyrus' has its origins in the Greek word 'papyros', which referred to the plant from which the writing material was made. The ancient Egyptians were the first to use papyrus as a writing material around 3000 BC. Papyrus was a significant technological advancement in the ancient world, allowing for the creation of written records and literature. The use of papyrus spread throughout the Mediterranean region and remained in use until the Middle Ages when it was replaced by parchment and paper.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,997, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.