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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

codices plural, codexes plural

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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."

Origin: Latin

leaf-book

Rhymes for codex

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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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