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Palimpsest
01
a manuscript that was written on, erased, and written on again and again, while the previous text was still partially visible
Examples
The ancient scroll was a palimpsest, with layers of text scraped away and overwritten with new writing, revealing glimpses of its earlier content.
The medieval manuscript was a palimpsest, its vellum pages bearing traces of multiple texts that had been erased and written over throughout the centuries.
02
something that has been reused, altered, or repurposed but still shows traces of its earlier form
Examples
The city is a palimpsest of past civilizations, with ancient walls beneath modern streets.
His novel is a palimpsest, incorporating elements of older literary works.
