duodecimo
Definition
- Noun:
- A book size: "duodecimo" refers to a book format in which each leaf is one-twelfth of a full sheet of paper, typically measuring about 5 by 7.5 inches (12.7 by 19 cm). It is also called "12mo."
- A small object or person: Informally, "duodecimo" can denote something or someone very small in size.
Usage Examples
Noun (book size):
- The rare edition was printed in duodecimo, making it a compact and portable volume. (The book was in the 12mo format, smaller than octavo.)
- Bibliophiles often collect duodecimo editions for their historical charm. (Collectors value books in this small size.)
Noun (small object/person):
- She called the tiny puppy a duodecimo, laughing at its miniature size. (She used the word humorously to describe something very small.)
- The duodecimo of a car barely fit two people. (The car was extremely small.)
Advanced Usage
"in duodecimo": a phrase used to describe a book printed in this format.
- The manuscript was published in duodecimo to reduce production costs. (It was issued in the 12mo size.)
"duodecimo binding": the specific style of binding used for such a book.
- The duodecimo binding was done in leather with gold tooling. (The binding matched the small format.)
Variants and Related Words
12mo (abbreviation): the standard shorthand for duodecimo.
- The catalog lists the book as 12mo. (It indicates the duodecimo format.)
Duodecimo (adj): sometimes used as an adjective meaning "very small" or "in duodecimo format."
- A duodecimo notebook fits easily in a pocket. (A notebook of this small size.)
Synonyms
- Small format: a general term for books smaller than octavo.
- Miniature: very small in size (often used for objects, not exclusively books).
- Pocket-sized: small enough to fit in a pocket.
Related Idioms