colophon

English

Etymology

from Ancient Greek κολοφών (kolophon, “peak or finishing touch”)

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkɒləfən/

Noun

colophon (plural colophons)

1. In manuscripts (typically before the invention of printing), the note, usually at the end, left by the scribe who copied it, giving information on his exemplar, where and when the copy was made, and sometimes, his own name.
2. A printer's or publisher's identifying inscription or logo appearing at the end of a book, or the same appearing on the spine or dust-jacket.
3. (Internet) A page on a website identifying the details of its creation, such as the author's name and the technologies used.
4. (obsolete) A finishing stroke or crowning touch.
   • 1635, John Swan, Speculum Mundi, page 427

     He comes to the creation of man, and makes him the Colophon, or conclusion of all things else.

See also

• coronis
• vignette

Translations

end note about author and manuscript

• French: colophon (fr) m
• German: Kolophon m

• Turkish: baskı bilgisi

printer notice at the end of a book

• French: achevé d’imprimer (fr) m

• Latvian: kolofons (lv) m

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French

Etymology

from Ancient Greek κολοφών (kolophon, “peak or finishing touch”)

Noun

colophon m (plural colophons)

1. colophon, final notice on manuscript.
2. colophon, final notice about printer, editor, paper, etc., with bibliophilic information.