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Octavo for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: ɑk'teɪvoʊ

What does Octavo really mean?

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Hey there! So, "Octavo" is a fancy way of saying a book size. When we talk about book sizes, we're basically referring to how big or small a book is. And "Octavo" is a specific size that's kind of in the middle. It's not too big and not too small. It's like the Goldilocks of book sizes - just right!

Now, I mentioned that "Octavo" is a book size, but what exactly does that mean? Well, in the book world, sizes are named after Latin words and numbers. So, "Octavo" comes from the Latin word "octo," which means "eight." You might be wondering, why "eight"? That's because an "Octavo" book is made by folding a big sheet of paper into eight equal parts. Then those eight parts are stacked on top of each other and bound together to make a book.

To give you a better idea, think of a piece of cake being cut into eight slices. Each slice is like one part of the "Octavo" book. When you stack all those slices together, you've got yourself a complete "Octavo" book.

So, when you hear the word "Octavo" in a book context, just think of a book that's not too big and not too small - it's just right. And remember that "eight" is the magic number behind this special book size. Hope that helps!

Revised and Fact checked by Sarah Anderson on 2023-11-16 13:05:08

Octavo In a sentece

Learn how to use Octavo inside a sentece

  • The book was printed in octavo size, meaning it was about 8 inches tall and 5 inches wide.
  • The octavo edition of the Harry Potter series is smaller and more portable than the hardcover edition.
  • The library shelves were filled with octavo books, neatly arranged in rows.
  • I prefer reading octavo-sized books because they are easier to hold and carry around.
  • The octavo format is commonly used for poetry and plays, making it easier to read and analyze.

Octavo Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Octavo Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.