Textus

/ˈtɛkstəs/ noun

Definition

Latin word meaning 'texture' or 'woven fabric,' used in academic contexts to refer to the structure or composition of a text.

Etymology

From Latin 'textus', past participle of 'texere' meaning 'to weave'. The metaphor of weaving gave rise to our modern word 'text', emphasizing how words are woven together to create meaning.

Kelly Says

The beautiful metaphor embedded in 'textus' reveals how ancient Romans conceptualized writing as a form of weaving, where threads of meaning are interlaced to create a coherent fabric of ideas. This textile metaphor survives in modern terms like 'textile' and explains why we speak of 'weaving' a story.

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