verso

/'və:sou/
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verso

The collector carefully examines the verso of the ancient coin.

Definition

Noun: 1. The left-hand page of a book or manuscript: In a bound publication, the verso is the page on the left side when the book is open. It typically carries an even page number. 2. The side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design (the reverse): This is the back or secondary side, opposite the main image (the obverse).

Usage
  • In publishing and printing: The term is used to precisely identify page location. The first page of a book (the title page) is usually a right-hand page (recto), so the back of that page is the first verso.
  • In numismatics (coin collecting): It is used to describe the less prominent side of a coin or medal.
Examples
  • Book/page context:
    • The copyright information is printed on the verso of the title page.
    • The illustration on the verso complements the text on the facing recto page.
  • Coin/medal context:
    • The verso of the commemorative coin features the national emblem.
    • Collectors debated whether the design on the verso was historically accurate.
Advanced Usage
  • "Verso side": A less common but clarifying phrase, especially when distinguishing from the recto in non-book contexts.
    • Please sign your initials on the verso side of the document.
  • In formal cataloging (bibliography, library science), abbreviations like v. or V. are used to denote verso.
    • The manuscript note appears on f. 12v (folio 12 verso).
Variants and Related Words
  • Recto (noun): The right-hand page of a book, or the front/principal side of a coin or medal (the direct opposite of verso).
  • Reverse (noun): A more common synonym for the back of a coin or medal. "Verso" is a more formal or technical term in this context.
  • Folio (noun): A sheet of paper folded once, creating two leaves (four pages). The front of a leaf is the recto, the back is the verso.
Synonyms
  • Back (for coins/objects): A general term for the reverse side.
  • Left-hand page: A descriptive synonym in book contexts.
  • Reverse: The standard term for the secondary side of a coin, currency, or medal.
Antonyms
  • Recto: The right-hand page or the front/principal side.
  • Obverse: Specifically the front or principal side of a coin or medal.
  • Front: The primary or facing side.
verso

The collector carefully examines the verso of the ancient coin.

Noun
  1. the side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design
  2. left-hand page