manuscript
UK: ˈmænjʊskrɪpt | US: ˈmænjəskrɪpt
n. a handwritten or typed document, especially an author's original text before publication
n. an ancient or historical document written by hand
The word "manuscript" originates from Latin manuscriptus, combining manus (hand) and scriptus (written), the past participle of scribere (to write). It reflects the pre-printing-press era when all documents were laboriously written by hand. The morphemes preserve their original Latin forms, emphasizing the physical act of writing ("hand-written") as the core concept. Over time, the term expanded to include typed or unpublished drafts, but its etymology remains anchored in manual creation.
The library holds a priceless medieval manuscript of Chaucer's works.
She submitted her manuscript to the publisher for review.
The archaeologist discovered an ancient manuscript in the ruins.
His desk was cluttered with drafts of the unfinished manuscript.
Digital tools now allow writers to edit manuscripts more efficiently.