Opisthography

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The technique involving the inscription of text or images on both sides of a single piece of paper, which optimizes resource use efficiently
2. This practice refers to the recording of information on both surfaces of a page, contributing to enhanced functionality and savings in material
3. The method of writing or printing on both sides of a sheet is embraced for its efficiency and minimal use of resources

Etymology: Opisthography is a compound built from two Greek-derived parts: "opistho-", from the Greek "opisthen", meaning "from behind" or "at the back", and "-graphy", from "graphia", meaning "writing". Put together, the word describes writing that runs on the back side of a surface, which in practice means text set on the reverse of a leaf or sheet as well as the front. The term follows the same pattern as other formal coinages in English built from classical roots, such as "calligraphy" and "photography". Its prefix "opistho-" appears in only a handful of English words, so the word is most easily understood by splitting it apart: the "back" element tells you the second side of the page is the point, and the "writing" element tells you what is being recorded there.