I
< A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Illumination:
Illumination, from the Latin illuminare, 'to enlighten or illuminate', is the decoration of a manuscript with bright colors and gold accents.
Incipit:
The initial words in a text, from the Latin verb incipere ('to begin'). The incipit (opening words) and explicit (closing words) are often used to identify a text.
Initial:
A large decorated letter that introduces an important section of a text. Initials can have different levels of importance, according to their place within a decorated page.
Ink:
The word comes from the Latin encaustum ('burnt in'), since the oxidation of the gallic and tannic acids in ink cause it to eat into the writing surface. Medieval ink was formed from a solution of gall (from gallnuts) and gum, colored by the addition of carbon (lampblack) and/or iron salts.
Interlace:
Decoration consisting of interwoven, vine-like patterns.