sextodecimo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareTechnical / Specialist (bibliography, printing, antiquarian bookselling)
Quick answer
What does “sextodecimo” mean?
A book size where each printed sheet is folded to make 16 leaves (32 pages).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A book size where each printed sheet is folded to make 16 leaves (32 pages).
The term can refer to a book of this specific, small size, often abbreviated as '16mo'. Historically common for novels, pamphlets, and poetry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. The abbreviated form '16mo' is equally common in both.
Connotations
Both variants carry connotations of historical printing, fine press books, or antiquarian collecting.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language in both regions, limited to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sextodecimo” in a Sentence
Noun + in + sextodecimo (e.g., 'a book in sextodecimo')Adjective + sextodecimo (e.g., 'a rare sextodecimo')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sextodecimo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sextodecimo edition is more portable than the folio.
- He collects sextodecimo Victorian novels.
American English
- The sextodecimo pamphlet fit neatly in his pocket.
- This sextodecimo printing is quite scarce.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical bibliography, literary studies (describing early editions), and library science.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in printing, bookbinding, and antiquarian bookselling to specify a book's physical format.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sextodecimo”
- Using it as an adjective without a noun (e.g., 'The book is sextodecimo' is less common than 'It is a sextodecimo'). Misspelling as 'sexto-decimo' or 'sexadecimal'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialist term used almost exclusively in the context of historical book printing and collecting.
The term originates from Latin (sextus decimus, 'sixteenth') because a single sheet of paper is folded to produce 16 leaves (32 pages).
No, it is only used as a noun (to describe the format) or occasionally as an attributive noun/adjective (e.g., 'a sextodecimo book').
The standard abbreviation is '16mo'.
A book size where each printed sheet is folded to make 16 leaves (32 pages).
Sextodecimo is usually technical / specialist (bibliography, printing, antiquarian bookselling) in register.
Sextodecimo: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛkstəʊˈdɛsɪməʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛkstoʊˈdɛsɪmoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SIX-to-DECIMAL' (16) – it's the format where you get sixteen leaves from one sheet.
Conceptual Metaphor
None in common use. It is a literal, technical descriptor.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'sextodecimo' primarily used?