tome

[ tohm ]

See synonyms for: tome tomes on Thesaurus.com

noun

a book, especially a very heavy, large, or learned book.
a volume forming a part of a larger work.

Origin of tome

First recorded in 1510–20; from French, from Latin tomus, from Greek tómos “slice, piece, roll of paper, book,” akin to témnein “to cut”

Other definitions for -tome (2 of 2)

-tome

a combining form with the meanings “cutting instrument” (microtome; osteotome), “segment, somite” (sclerotome), used in the formation of compound words.

Origin of -tome

Combining form representing Greek tomḗ a cutting; tómos a cut, slice; -tomon (neuter), -tomos (masculine) -cutting (adj.)

Compare tomo-, -tomous, -tomy.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tome in a sentence

When I see Oliona back at her flat she brings out a tome of Pushkin.
Russia’s Gold Digger Academy | Peter Pomerantsev | November 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The 468-page tome purports to be a definitive account of the comedian's life and career.
Hannibal Buress Says Bill Cosby Is a Rapist: A History of Sexual Assault Allegations | Amy Zimmerman | October 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
He had some help, too—the entire cast and crew of The Princess Bride contributed cherished memories to the tome.
Cary Elwes, aka Westley, Shares Inconceivable Tales From the Making of ‘The Princess Bride’ | Marlow Stern | September 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
David Foster Wallace even named a chapter in his tome Brief Interviews with Hideous Men “Signifying Nothing.”
James Franco and Scott Haze on 'The Sound and the Fury' and Gawker 'Outing' Them As A 'Couple' | Marlow Stern | September 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Franco optioned the tome back in March 2011, and will star and direct the flick.
James Franco Shot His New Movie at the Venice Film Festival and I Was in It | Marlow Stern | September 5, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

They presented to the amused officer an enormous MS. tome of Church services!
The Cradle of Mankind | W.A. Wigram
It was translated into Latin by Theodorus Schrivelius, and printed in the third tome of his theological works.
The Life of the Truly Eminent and Learned Hugo Grotius | Jean Lvesque de Burigny
When they rested in a tree on the other shore, Chow Soo tome crept from under the wing and climbed down the tree.
Laos Folk-Lore of Farther India | Katherine Neville Fleeson
The ape pitied him and sought to aid him, and what food he had or found he shared with Chow Soo tome gladly.
Laos Folk-Lore of Farther India | Katherine Neville Fleeson
Through forest, over mountains and across plains toiled Chow Soo tome patiently.
Laos Folk-Lore of Farther India | Katherine Neville Fleeson

British Dictionary definitions for tome (1 of 2)

tome

/ (təʊm) /

noun

a large weighty book
one of the several volumes of a work

Origin of tome

C16: from French, from Latin tomus section of larger work, from Greek tomos a slice, from temnein to cut; related to Latin tondēre to shear

British Dictionary definitions for -tome (2 of 2)

-tome

n combining form

indicating an instrument for cutting: osteotome

Origin of -tome

from Greek tomē a cutting, tomos a slice, from temnein to cut

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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