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Glite Dictionary
4to

4to

1 9.9
A book size you make by folding a sheet of paper twice so it has four leaves or eight pages
  • noun
  • /ˈfɔrˌtoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cuarto
  • The library owns a rare Shakespeare 4to printed in 1600.

Examples

  • This edition is a large 4to with beautifully illustrated pages.

  • The manuscript was printed in 4to format.

  • Collectors often value 4tos for their manageable size and historical significance.

  • Many rare books are available in 4to size.

  • The library has a section dedicated to rare books, many of which are printed in 4to format.

  • She bought a 4to edition of Shakespeare's plays, which is easier to handle than the larger volumes.

  • When publishing, choosing a 4to size can make the book more visually appealing and portable.

Synonyms

quarto
vs4to
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A medium book you make by folding each piece of paper twice to make eight pages

is the abbreviated numeric form used in printing

How Big

folio
  • Specialized
1 8.6
4to
  • Specialized
1 9.9
octavo
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Surface Forms

4to singular
4tos plural

Etymology

The word 4to is a short form of quarto, from Latin quartus meaning 'fourth', because each sheet of paper is folded to make four leaves, or eight pages. So, a 4to is a book size named for the way the paper is folded.