textbook
UK: ˈtɛkstbʊk | US: ˈtɛkstˌbʊk
n. a printed or digital manual used for formal study, typically structured for a specific subject or course
n. (figuratively) a classic or authoritative example of something
The word "textbook" is a straightforward compound of "text" (from Latin textus, meaning "woven" or "written content") and "book" (from Old English bōc, meaning "written work"). It emerged in the early 19th century to describe educational manuals that consolidated written material for systematic learning. The term reflects the literal function of such books: to present structured text for study.
The professor assigned a new textbook for the biology course.
Her response was a textbook example of diplomatic tact.
Students often sell their used textbooks at the end of the semester.
This case study is practically a textbook on crisis management.
The library has a digital version of the textbook available for free.