edition

Overview

Meaning Now

• A particular version of a publication, as edited and prepared for release.
• The whole number of copies of a book, newspaper, or other work issued at one time.
• A version of a recurring event or product, often implying a specific year or iteration.

Journey

The term originates from the Latin 'edere', meaning 'to give out' or 'to bring forth'. In Roman times, it was used to describe the public staging of games or the formal publication of an author's work. It entered English in the 16th century, originally referring to the act of publishing, before shifting to designate specific versions of books or media.

Evolution

1. Classical Latin

   editio

   “the act of producing or publishing”

   From 'edere' (to bring forth).

2. Late Latin

   editionem

   “act of publishing”

   Accusative case.

3. Middle French

   edition

   “publishing, issue of a book”

4. Middle English

   edition

   “a published work”

   First recorded in English in the late 16th century.

Connections

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Related to edition

• redaction→
• edit→
• editorial→