Vellum: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The word 'vellum' comes from the Latin word 'vitulinum', meaning 'calfskin', since it was originally made from the skins of young animals.
• Vellum became popular in the Middle Ages for making important documents and manuscripts due to its durability and texture.

Art and Crafts

• Vellum is favored by artists and calligraphers for its ability to hold ink well, allowing for fine detail work.
• In the past, illuminated manuscripts were often created on vellum, featuring intricate artwork and gold leaf embellishments.

Science

• Vellum is produced through a meticulous process that includes cleaning, stretching, and drying the animal skin to achieve its unique characteristics.
• The properties of vellum, such as its smoothness and ability to take ink without bleeding, make it a valuable material in scientific illustrations and historical documents.

Modern Usage

• While traditional vellum is made from animal skin, modern alternatives, known as synthetic vellum, are made from plastic, offering similar qualities.
• Today, vellum is still used for high-quality printing, stationery, and in specialty art practices, bridging historical techniques with contemporary uses.

Cultural Significance

• Vellum has been used in various cultures throughout history, often signifying the importance of the documents created on it, such as treaties and religious texts.
• In some cases, documents on vellum were considered more prestigious, often used to convey power or authority in historical contexts.

With rank #18,453, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 18450 hiss
• 18451 stepmother
• 18452 merriment
• 18453 vellum
• 18454 wry
• 18455 zigzag
• 18456 sedan
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