Edition

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ɪˈdɪʃ(ə)n/

Definitions

1. A particular version or printing of a published work, or the entire number of copies produced at one time
2. A specific version of a publication, often distinguished by its release date or content adjustments, constituting all copies made at that time
3. A distinct release of a publication, characterized by unique content or updates, representing all copies produced during a specific time frame

Etymology: The word "edition" is built from Latin "ēditiō", a noun meaning a bringing out or publishing, which comes from the verb "ēdere", "to put forth" or "to publish". The Latin root is literally "ē-" (out) plus "dare" (to give), so the sense is of giving something out into the world. The Latin noun was a fairly ordinary term for the act of making something known, and it passed into French as "édition" before English borrowed it. The original meaning was the act of publishing itself, not a particular version of a book. Only later did the word shift to mean the printed product of such an act, and eventually to the specific run of copies issued at one time. That is why a "first edition" or a "revised edition" can now name a whole set of copies, each distinguished by when it was released or what was changed in it.

Synonyms: version, issue, publication, release, copy

Antonyms: original, prototype, draft, preliminary, model