noun
Uncommon
codex
KOH-dehks
Codex (noun) means a manuscript book, especially an old one, made of bound pages rather than a scroll. Example: “The monks preserved the text in a medieval codex.”
noun
1
A manuscript book, especially an old one, made of bound pages rather than a scroll.
"The monks preserved the text in a medieval codex."
"Scholars study the ancient codex for clues about early Christianity."
2
An official reference list of medicines and their ingredients.
"The pharmacy checked the codex before compounding the mixture."
How to use codex
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-style bound book, as opposed to a scroll — or, in a specialized sense, an official list of drugs.
Common pairings
an ancient codex
a medieval codex
the pharmaceutical codex
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Word forms
- Plural
- codices, codexes
Fill the gap
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The monks preserved the text in a medieval _____.
Etymology
From Latin codex, "tree trunk" or "block of wood" — early writing tablets were made from wood, and the word later came to mean a bound book. It shares a root with "code."
Synonyms
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leaf-book
Rhymes for codex
See all rhymes for codex →Frequently asked questions
What does “codex” mean?
The word “codex” means a manuscript book, especially an old one, made of bound pages rather than a scroll. In plain terms, an old-style bound book, as opposed to a scroll — or, in a specialized sense, an official list of drugs.
How do you pronounce “codex”?
“Codex” is pronounced KOH-dehks (/ˈkoʊdɛks/ in IPA).
How do you use “codex” in a sentence?
Here is “codex” used in a sentence: “The monks preserved the text in a medieval codex.”
What part of speech is “codex”?
“Codex” is a noun.
Where does the word “codex” come from?
The word “codex” comes from Latin. From Latin codex, "tree trunk" or "block of wood" — early writing tablets were made from wood, and the word later came to mean a bound book. It shares a root with "code.".
Is “codex” a common word?
“Codex” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “codex” have?
“Codex” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a manuscript book, especially an old one, made of bound pages rather than a scroll.
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