bifolium

noun

bi·​fo·​li·​um (ˈ)bī-ˈfō-lē-əm 

plural bifolia (ˈ)bī-ˈfō-lē-ə 

: two sheets of paper, parchment, or similar material folded together to make four leaves

… verses are written, not on two sheets of paper, but on the recto and verso of the first leaf of a bifolium.

—Sara S. Hodson, Times Literary Supplement, 24 June 1988

Though incomplete, in its present state it occupies close to eleven hundred folios, so large that each bifolium was formed from a whole skin.

—Penn R. Szittya, Speculum, April 1999

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now