noun
colophon
An identifying emblem used by a printer or publisher.
The publisher's colophon appears on the spine of every book.
Etymology
Greek kolophōn meant a summit or finishing touch. The concluding statement identifying a book’s production gave colophon its printing sense, which also includes the publisher’s identifying emblem.
More examples
- A small oak tree serves as the press's colophon.
- The designer redraws the colophon for the publisher's new editions.
- These colophons help collectors identify the printers behind the books.
Forms
colophon · colophons
Similar words
- logo
- An identifying design, not limited to printers or publishers.
- emblem
- A broader symbol representing a group, idea, or organization.