Pronunciation: [vˈɛləm] (IPA) 
Vellum is a type of parchment made from animal skin, typically used for manuscripts. The spelling of the word vellum is pronounced /ˈvɛləm/, with the emphasis on the first syllable (VEL) and the second syllable pronounced like "um." The letter combination "ll" makes a 'l' sound in the middle of the word, like in the word "bell." The word vellum comes from the Old French word velin, meaning "calfskin."
Vellum refers to a type of high-quality parchment, usually made from calf skin, that has been processed and treated to be especially smooth and translucent for writing or printing purposes. It is a material that has been in use for centuries as a valuable writing surface, prized for its durability and elegance.
The creation of vellum involves a meticulous process that begins with carefully selecting and preparing the calf skin. The hair is removed through soaking and scraping methods, and the skin is then stretched and dried under tension to smoothen its surface. The resulting material has a distinctive ivory or creamy color, and its fibers are tightly woven, rendering it highly resistant to tearing and degradation over time.
Due to its exceptional properties, vellum has been extensively used for important documents, manuscripts, and artistic works throughout history. It was commonly employed for beautifully illuminated manuscripts, where intricate designs and illustrations were added by skilled artists. Its smooth texture and ability to retain ink without bleeding made it a preferred choice for fine calligraphy, resulting in crisp and clear writing.
In contemporary times, vellum is still occasionally used for luxury edition books, certificates, or official documents that demand a sense of prestige and longevity. However, as animal welfare concerns and the availability of alternative materials have arisen, the usage of authentic vellum has declined, and often synthetic substitutes or imitation papers are used as more sustainable alternatives. Nonetheless, the word vellum continues to evoke a sense of craftsmanship, tradition, and historical significance in the realm of writing materials.
A fine kind of parchment prepared from the skins of calves, kids, and lambs, and used for writing on.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vellum" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "vitulinum" or "vitulinus", which means "made from calf" or "calfskin". The term was used to refer to a type of parchment or writing surface made from the skins of calves. Over time, the Latin term evolved into "vellum" in English, and it continues to be used to describe a specific type of high-quality parchment made from the skin of young animals, typically calfskin or lambskin.
