codices
Definition
- Noun (plural of ):
- Ancient manuscript books: "Codices" refers to bound volumes of handwritten pages, typically from ancient or medieval times, especially those containing religious, legal, or literary texts. They are distinct from scrolls.
- Historical legal texts: In older usage, "codices" can also refer to collections of laws or statutes, such as the Codex Justinianus.
Usage Examples
- (Bound handwritten books from the medieval period.)
- (Manuscripts created by the Maya civilization.)
- (Collections of Roman laws preserved as books.)
Advanced Usage
"Codex" (singular): The singular form of "codices," meaning a single bound manuscript.
- The Codex Sinaiticus is one of the oldest surviving copies of the Bible. (A specific ancient manuscript.)
"Codices" in archaeology: Often used to describe pre-modern bound texts, especially from Mesoamerican civilizations (e.g., Aztec or Maya codices).
- The Dresden Codex is one of the few surviving Maya codices. (A rare example of pre-Columbian writing.)
Variants and Related Words
Codex (n, singular): a single ancient manuscript book.
- This codex contains the works of Virgil. (A specific bound manuscript.)
Codical (adj): relating to or resembling a codex.
- The codical structure of the manuscript is typical of the 12th century. (The book-like binding format.)
Synonyms
- Manuscripts: handwritten documents, especially from before the printing press.
- Volumes: books, especially in a series or collection.
- Tomes: large, scholarly books, often ancient or heavy.
Related Idioms
- "A codex of law": a formal collection of legal rules.
- The emperor ordered a codex of law to unify the empire's regulations. (A comprehensive legal code.)
Notes for Language Learners
- "Codices" is a plural noun and is always used to refer to multiple manuscripts. Do not use it as a singular form; the singular is "codex."
- The word is most common in academic contexts, such as history, archaeology, or religious studies.