inscription
n.-
1 carved text (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatewords that are cut into a hard surface, such as a stone wall, a statue, or a metal plaque.
text engraved, etched, or carved into a durable surface like stone, metal, or wood, often for commemorative purposes.
ExampleThe inscription on the old gravestone was hard to read because of the moss.
ExampleArchaeologists spent weeks cleaning the monument to reveal a Latin inscription that dated the structure to the third century.
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2 book dedication (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea short message written by hand in the front of a book, usually by the author.
a brief, often personal message written or printed at the beginning of a book as a dedication or record of ownership.
ExampleThe author wrote a personal inscription in my copy of her new novel.
ExampleThe rare first edition was particularly valuable because it contained an intimate inscription from the poet to his sister.
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3 text on a coin (n.) C1 Advanced Technicalthe words or letters stamped onto a coin or medal.
the legend or lettering struck onto the surface of a coin, medal, or token.
ExampleThe silver coin had a tiny inscription around the edge.
ExampleThe numismatist examined the coin's inscription to determine which mint had produced it during the emperor's reign.
From Latin īnscrīptiō.