An incunabulum the plural is incunabula -- is a
very early printed book, one produced before 1501. (Printing
with movable type began in Europe around 1450-ish, so an
incunabulum was produced in the first half-century or so of
Although the Latin term is more common, you might also hear it
Englished as incunable.
From the Guide to Literary Terms by Jack Lynch.
Please send comments to Jack Lynch.
Note: This guide is still in the early stages of development.
Three question marks mean I have to write more on the subject. Bear with me.