Pronunciation: [sˈɛntə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "Cento" is spelled with the letters C, E, N, T, and O. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /ˈtʃɛntoʊ/. The "C" is pronounced with a "ch" sound, while the "E" is pronounced with an "eh" sound. The "N" is pronounced with an "en" sound, the "T" with a hard "t" sound, and finally, the "O" is pronounced with an "oh" sound. Together, these sounds form the word "Cento."
A cento is a form of poetry that is created by combining or rearranging lines, phrases, or excerpts from existing texts, typically from different authors or works. The word cento originates from the Latin word "centum," meaning "one hundred," suggesting the idea of a collection or collage of various literary pieces.
The composition of a cento involves a deliberate scavenging and reshaping of words, phrases, or lines from different sources to create a new, cohesive piece of art. This poetic form allows the composer to juxtapose different ideas, themes, or styles by incorporating diverse voices and perspectives into a single work. By selecting these lines or phrases, the cento poet can create new meaning, evoke emotions, or explore a specific theme or subject.
A key characteristic of centos is that they are made up exclusively of borrowed text, with no original content contributed by the poet themselves. The poet's skill lies in selecting the most resonant and appropriate lines from various sources and arranging them in a way that produces a meaningful and coherent whole. Centos can be created using poetry, prose, or even song lyrics, and can range in length from just a few lines to several pages.
While centos are often seen as a creative exercise, they can also serve as a homage to the original authors and a testament to the interconnectedness and continuity of literary works throughout history. This form allows for a fascinating exploration of intertextuality, inviting readers and poets alike to engage with and reinterpret existing written expressions in new and innovative ways.
The word "Cento" is of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "cento", which means "patchwork" or "poem made from scraps". In ancient Rome, centos were poems composed by rearranging lines or fragments of existing works to create a new composition. The term "Cento" later became used to refer to a collection of lines or passages borrowed from various sources and assembled into a new work.
