Word of the Day

boustrophedon

[boo-struh-feed-n]

noun:

an ancient method of writing in which the lines run alternately from right to left and from left to right

Explanation

Boustrophedon describes a style of ancient writing that moves in alternating directions, like an ox plowing a field. Instead of restarting on the same side, each line flips — right to left, then left to right. You don't see boustrophedon much today, but its zigzag pattern is hard to forget once you've pictured it.

Example: The inscription was written in boustrophedon, changing direction with each new line of text.

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