How to Pronounce Palimpsest

To pronounce "palimpsest", say PAL-imps-est — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈpælɪmpsɛst/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

palimpsest

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Accent

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/ˈpælɪmpsɛst/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “palimpsest”

"palimpsest" has 3 syllables: pal-imps-est.

What does palimpsest mean?

noun

  1. A manuscript or document that has been erased or scraped clean, for reuse of the paper, parchment, vellum, or other medium on which it was written.
  2. Monumental brasses that have been reused by engraving of the blank back side.

verb

  1. To scrape clean, as in parchment, for reuse.
  2. On paper: to reuse, often by erasure or change of pen direction or color. Especially fueled by Earth Day.

    “Typically refers to a multi-layered work, e.g.: new ads covering old on a roadside sign.”

Synonyms

codex rescriptus

Related words

ambrosianpapyruspapyrographparchmentscratchpadpellbookfellhandwrit

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "palimpsest"?▾

"Palimpsest" has 3 syllables: pal · imps · est.

What is the IPA transcription of "palimpsest"?▾

The IPA transcription of "palimpsest" is /ˈpælɪmpsɛst/.

What does "palimpsest" mean?▾

Palimpsest: A manuscript or document that has been erased or scraped clean, for reuse of the paper, parchment, vellum, or other medium on which it was written.

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