noun

amanuensis

uh-man-yoo-EN-sis/əˌmænjuˈensɪs/

A person who writes down dictated words or copies manuscripts.

The amanuensis writes down the woman's words as she dictates.

A seated amanuensis listens attentively to a woman dictating and writes continuously on a sheet of paper.

Etymology

aLatinfrom; of

+manuLatinhand

+ensisLatinbelonging to

The pieces point to a servant 'of the hand,' a Latin designation for a secretary. The hand represents the writing work performed for someone else, whether copying a text or taking dictation.

In context

The Scottish Parliament93:06

… just giving extra time, or an amanuensis if there are transcription problems

Education, Children and Young People Committee - 10 November 2021

More examples

An amanuensis copied the manuscript before it went to the printer.
Her grandfather employed an amanuensis after losing his sight.
Several amanuenses prepared copies of the scholar's lectures.

Forms

amanuensis · amanuenses

Similar words

scribe: Often emphasizes manuscript writing or copying in historical settings.
secretary: Has broader administrative duties beyond taking dictation.