The word "octavo" refers to a book format in which each sheet of paper is folded three times to produce eight leaves or sixteen pages. The word is spelled with an /ɒ/ sound at the beginning, followed by a hard /k/ sound, then a /teɪ/ diphthong and an /əʊ/ dipthong. The word ends with a soft /v/ sound and a long /oʊ/ dipthong. The IPA phonetic transcription of "octavo" is /ɒkˈteɪvəʊ/. So, the next time you see an octavo book, you now know how to pronounce and spell it correctly.
Octavo is a term used in the field of book printing and publishing to refer to a specific format or size of a book, as well as the method by which the paper is folded and cut to create that size. In its primary definition, octavo denotes a book format that is created by folding a large sheet of paper three times, resulting in eight small leaves or pages. These leaves are then sewn or glued together in the center to form a booklet. As a result, the octavo format yields 16 pages in total, with each leaf containing two pages.
Typically, the paper used to create an octavo book is large and rectangular, with the folds and cuts made in a specific manner to maintain the proper size and proportions of the format. Octavo books are commonly noted for their small dimensions, typically ranging from around 5 to 6 inches in height and 3 to 4 inches in width. This format was commonly employed in the printing of texts such as novels, poetry collections, and other small works that were easily and conveniently held and read.
Today, the term octavo is also used more broadly to refer to any book or publication that has been printed in this particular size or format, regardless of the methodology used in its production. The octavo format remains a popular choice for many modern publications due to its compact size, ease of handling, and cost-effective printing methods.
Having eight leaves to the sheet-applied to the size of a book; applied to one leaf of a sheet of printing-paper folded so as to make eight leaves-usually written 8vo.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "octavo" comes from the Latin word "octavus", meaning "eighth". In bookbinding and typography, "octavo" refers to a standard book size in which a large sheet of paper is folded into eight leaves, resulting in sixteen pages. This folding method was commonly used for smaller books, allowing them to be more manageable and cost-effective to produce. The term "octavo" first appears in English in the 1560s.