Pronunciation: [tˈə͡ʊm] (IPA) 
The word "tome" (/toʊm/) refers to a large, heavy, or scholarly book. The spelling of this word might seem unusual, as it does not match the typical pronunciation of the letter "o." However, the word comes from the Greek word "tomos," which means "a cut piece." The "e" at the end of "tome" reflects the Greek spelling. So next time you're reading a thick volume, remember the etymology behind its name.
A "tome" is a noun used to describe a large, heavy, or scholarly book, typically one containing a considerable amount of information on a particular subject. The word originates from the Latin term "tomus," which means "a section of a larger work" or "cut or slice." Often characterized by their extensive content and physical weight, tomes are commonly associated with academic or religious texts that encompass a vast amount of knowledge.
Tomes are typically distinguished by their substantial size, thick pages, and encyclopedic nature. They often serve as comprehensive reference materials, providing in-depth knowledge and detailed explanations on various topics. Due to their weight and size, tomes are frequently found in libraries, research centers, or personal collections of scholars, intellectuals, or individuals curious about a specific subject matter.
In literature, a tome may refer to a large book or a series of volumes that comprise a single work, such as an encyclopedia or an extensive novel series. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe any massive or overly lengthy publication. A tome implies a sense of grandeur, expertise, or authority in its subject matter and is often associated with intellectual pursuits and the accumulation of significant knowledge.
A termination denoting a cutting instrument, the first element in the compound usually indicating the part which the instrument is designed to cut.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A book; one volume of several constituting the same work.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "tome" comes from the Greek word "tomos", which means "a section" or "a slice". This term was derived from the verb "temnein", meaning "to cut". In ancient times, books or writings were written on long scrolls made of papyrus. These scrolls were divided into sections or segments, and the individual sections were called "tomos". Over time, the word "tome" came to refer to a large, heavy, or scholarly book, often part of a multi-volume work.
