First Known Use: 1825
Dictionary
palimpsest
noun pa·limp·sest \ˈpa-ləm(p)-ˌsest, pə-ˈlim(p)-\
: a very old document on which the original writing has been erased and replaced with new writing
: something that has changed over time and shows evidence of that change
Full Definition of PALIMPSEST
1
: writing material (as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased
2
: something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface <Canada … is a palimpsest, an overlay of classes and generations — Margaret Atwood>
See palimpsest defined for English-language learners
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PALIMPSEST
Latin palimpsestus, from Greek palimpsēstos scraped again, from palin + psēn to rub, scrape; akin to Sanskrit psāti, babhasti he chews
Rhymes with PALIMPSEST
acid test, almagest, anapest, beta test, blanket chest, Bucharest, decongest, disinfest, disinterest, disinvest, false arrest, galley-west, Hammerfest, hornet's nest, house arrest, manifest, north-northwest, placement test, predigest, quarter rest, reinvest, rinderpest, Rorschach test, Sackville-West, second-best, self-addressed, self-confessed, self-interest, self-possessed, uninterest, unprofessed, vision quest
Learn More About PALIMPSEST
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: palimpsesticPrevious Word in the Dictionary: palimonyAll Words Near: palimpsest
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up palimpsest? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).