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pressmark

pressmark

9.7
A mark with numbers or letters that shows where a book is on library shelves
  • noun
  • /ˈprɛsˌmɑrk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : marca de clasificación
  • The librarian carefully wrote the new pressmark inside the front cover of the book.

Examples

  • He used the pressmark to quickly find the volume he needed in the archive.

  • Books with the same pressmark are usually stored together on the same shelf.

  • The librarian placed a pressmark on the new arrivals.

  • Can you show me the pressmark for this book?

  • The librarian carefully wrote the new pressmark inside the front cover of the book.

  • He used the pressmark to quickly find the volume he needed in the archive.

  • Books with the same pressmark are usually stored together on the same shelf.

Synonyms

mark
vspressmark
167 2.0

A sign or symbol used to identify something

is specifically the code or label used to show a book's shelf location
call number
vspressmark
  • Specialized
1 4.0

A code of letters and numbers on a library book that shows where it is on the shelf

is the physical mark on a book rather than the abstract code assigned
call mark
vspressmark
  • UK
8.4

A code written on a book to show where it is on the library shelves

can be written or attached rather than only written directly on the book

How Personal

inscription
10 5.0
bookplate
1 7.8
pressmark
  • Archaic
9.7

Surface Forms

pressmark singular
pressmarks plural

Morphology

pressmark = press + mark (semi-transparent) = press + mark

The components 'press' and 'mark' are segmentable, but the specific library meaning is specialized and 'press' (as a place or printing sense) may not be obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Pressmark comes from the old use of press meaning 'cupboard' or 'shelf' and mark meaning 'sign'. So a pressmark is the small sign or number put on a book to show where it belongs on a shelf.