Pergamenum
/ˌpɛr.ɡəˈmɛ.nʊm/noun
A medieval Latin form referring to parchment or writing material made from animal skin.
Did you know?Its name is tied to Pergamon, the famous ancient city associated with the refinement of parchment, and the word helped spread the idea that sacred knowledge could be physically preserved on animal skin.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Πέργαμον (Pérgamon)
“The city of Pergamon in Asia Minor, later associated with parchment production”
Late Latin
Latin
pergamenum
“Parchment; writing material made from prepared skin”
Old French
Old French
parchemin
“Parchment”
Middle English
English
perchemyn / parchemin
“Parchment”
Modern English
English
parchment
“Prepared animal skin used for writing”