boustrophedon

[boo-struh-feed-n, -fee-don, bou-]

noun

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

boustrophedon

/ ˌbuːstrəˈfiːdən, ˌbaʊ- /

adjective

1. having alternate lines written from right to left and from left to right

Word History and Origins

Origin of boustrophedon¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from Greek boustrophēdón literally, “like an ox turning (in plowing),” equivalent to bou- (stem of boûs ) “bull, cow, ox” + -strophē- + -don adverb suffix; cow ¹ ( def. ), strophe

Word History and Origins

Origin of boustrophedon¹

C17: from Greek, literally: turning as in ploughing with oxen, from bous ox + -strophēdon from strephein to turn; see _strophe

Example Sentences

Many ancient Greek inscriptions use a method of writing called boustrophedon, or “ox-turning,” in which every other line of text is inverted.

From Scientific American

Left to right, right to left, perhaps both like writing called “boustrophedon” — back and forth, as an ox plows?

From Seattle Times

It is noteworthy that the inscriptions, with the exception of the bowl brought from Babylon, are all in relief and boustrophedon.

From Project Gutenberg

Some writing systems, like the ancient Greeks’ boustrophedon, in which alternate lines are read in opposite directions, appear to actually support these pre-literay inclinations.

From Economist

You dimly discern the majestic form of a venerable man stooping above a coffer of cedar and ivory, carved with the exploits of the goddess, and with boustrophedon inscriptions.

From Project Gutenberg