Definition of ink

The word "ink" has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The modern English word "ink" comes from the Old English phrase "innecg," which referred to a type of writing liquid made from fermented oak galls (small growths on oak trees that produce a sticky substance). The word "innecg" was later modified to "ink" in Middle English (circa 11th-15th centuries). Ink's ancient roots can be traced to the Sumerians, who used a writing material made from plant-based liquids, such as mulberry juice, around 3000 BCE. The use of liquid ink spread to other ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who used various substances like pomegranate juice and soot to create writing materials. Over time, the composition of ink changed, and it became a key component in writing, art, and typography. Today, ink remains an essential tool for creative expression, communication, and preservation of records.