also: げんぱん
noun
printing plate; original plate; form
Refers to the physical plate or form used in printing, from which copies are made.
この本は原版から直接印刷された。
This book was printed directly from the original plate.
noun
original edition; first edition
Used for the original published version of a book or other publication, as opposed to reprints or revised editions.
この小説の原版は戦前に出版された。
The original edition of this novel was published before the war.
Compound of 原 (original) and 版 (printing block/edition).