boustrophedon
pronunciation
How to pronounce boustrophedon in British English:
UK [ˌbu:strə'fi:dn]
How to pronounce boustrophedon in American English:
US [ˌbustrə'fidən]
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- Noun:
- an ancient writing system: having alternate lines written in opposite directions; literally `as the ox ploughs'
Word Origin
- boustrophedon (n.)
- 1783, ancient form of writing with lines alternately written left-to-right and right-to-left, from Greek, literally "turning as an ox in plowing," from bous "ox" (see cow (n.)) + strephein "to turn" (see strophe).