Pergamena
/perɡaˈmeːna/noun
The Italian word for parchment, especially parchment made from animal skin.
Did you know?The word is linked to Pergamum, the ancient Anatolian city whose rulers were traditionally credited with developing parchment as a rival to Egyptian papyrus.
Etymological Timeline
2nd–1st Century BCE
Greek
περγαμηνή (pergamēnḗ)
“A writing material associated with Pergamum”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
pergamēna
“Parchment; literally material connected with Pergamum”
9th–12th Century
Medieval Latin
pergamena
“Parchment or prepared animal skin used for writing”
12th–13th Century
Old French
perchemin / parchemin
“Parchment, derived through altered forms of pergamena”
13th–14th Century
Italian
pergamena
“Parchment or vellum”
Modern English
English
parchment
“A durable writing material made from specially prepared animal skin”
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