Pergamenian
/ˌpɜːrɡəˈmiːniən/noun
Relating to Pergamum, an ancient Greek city in Mysia, or to its people and culture.
Did you know?The word is connected to the tradition that parchment was developed or perfected at Pergamum when its ruler’s rivalry with Alexandria restricted the supply of Egyptian papyrus, though historians debate how literally this story should be taken.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Πέργαμος (Pérgamos)
“Pergamum, the ancient city in Asia Minor; the place-name’s deeper origin is uncertain.”
Hellenistic Greek
Greek
περγαμηνή (pergamēnḗ)
“Pergamene material or parchment, literally associated with Pergamum.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
pergamēna
“Parchment or parchment material, named in association with Pergamum.”
Middle English
English
parchemin
“Parchment, borrowed through Anglo-French and ultimately from Latin pergamēna.”
17th–18th Century
English
Pergamenian
“Relating to Pergamum or its inhabitants; formed from the place-name with the adjectival suffix -ian.”
Modern English
English
Pergamenian
“Of, from, or relating to ancient Pergamum.”
Explore more surprising origins