GRE vocabulary

Palimpsest

A manuscript or piece of writing material on which earlier text has been effaced to make room for new writing, but still bearing visible traces of its earlier state.

Example

"Using multispectral imaging, researchers uncovered a forgotten classical treatise beneath the palimpsest."

Etymology

From Greek 'palimpsēstos', from 'palin' (again) + 'psēstos' (scraped, rubbed smooth).

Play today's word

Free daily SAT vocabulary game. One word, four definitions, be sharp.

Play WordSpar →