Skip to main content

Mysteries of vernacular: Miniature - Jessica Oreck

42,251 Views

368 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Miniature’s root may be Latin, but its meaning is rooted in books, where red pigment was used to denote chapter breaks. Jessica Oreck explains how we got from there to the meaning of miniature today: something smaller than others of its class.

Why might medieval monks have denoted chapter breaks with red pigment, instead of starting each chapter on a new page?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Jessica Oreck

More from Mysteries of Vernacular