Bifolium

/baɪˈfoʊliəm/ noun

Definition

In bookbinding and manuscript studies, a single unit consisting of two pages or leaves joined together, typically created by folding a sheet of paper in half.

Etymology

Latin term combining 'bi-' (two) + 'folium' (leaf/page). It became a standard technical term in paleography and codicology, the study of ancient manuscripts and books.

Kelly Says

When you open an old medieval manuscript, every two-page spread you see is likely one bifolium—understanding this changed how scholars could date and authenticate ancient books.

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