novel

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   original and of a kind not seen before

   the computer produced a completely novel proof of a well-known theorem

2. 2
   noun

   a printed and bound book that is an extended work of fiction

   Our bookcases were filled with nothing but novels.

3. 3
   noun

   A work of prose fiction, longer than a novella.

   If it be true, that the preſent age is more corrupt, than the preceding, the great multiplication of Novels has probably contributed to its degeneracy. Fifty years ago there was ſcarcely a Novel in the kingdom. Romances, indeed, abounded; but they, it is ſuppoſed, were rather favorable to virtue.

4. 4
   noun

   A fable; a short tale, especially one of many making up a larger work.

   merry tales[…]such as the old woman told of Psyche in Apuleius, Boccace novels, and the rest, quarum auditione pueri delectantur, senes narratione, which some delight to hear, some to tell, all are well pleased with.

5. 5
   noun

   A novelty; something new.

   Libum is a cake made of Honey (sugar is a nouvelle, since the discovery of America), meale and oyle.

6. 6
   noun

   A new legal constitution in ancient Rome.

   The normal and natural relationship of emperor and churchman was summed up by Justinian in one of his novels […]

7. 7
   adj

   pleasantly new or different

8. 8
   noun

   an extended fictional work in prose

Etymology

From Middle English novel, from Old French novelle, from Latin novella, feminine of novellus.