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Envelope: meaning, definitions and examples

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envelope

 

[ ˈɛnvəˌloʊp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

stationery

A flat paper container with a sealable flap, used to enclose a letter or document.

Synonyms

cover, packet, wrapper

Examples of usage

  • I put the letter in the envelope and sealed it with a kiss.
  • She opened the envelope and found a surprise inside.
Context #2 | Noun

mathematics

A curve or surface that is tangent to every one of a family of curves or surfaces.

Synonyms

boundary, intersection, tangent

Examples of usage

  • The envelope of the family of circles is a cardioid.
  • The envelope of the family of planes is a cylinder.

Translations

Translations of the word "envelope" in other languages:

🇵🇹 envelope

🇮🇳 लिफाफा

🇩🇪 Umschlag

🇮🇩 amplop

🇺🇦 конверт

🇵🇱 koperta

🇯🇵 封筒 (ふうとう)

🇫🇷 enveloppe

🇪🇸 sobre

🇹🇷 zarf

🇰🇷 봉투

🇸🇦 ظرف

🇨🇿 obálka

🇸🇰 obálka

🇨🇳 信封 (xìnfēng)

🇸🇮 kuverta

🇮🇸 umslag

🇰🇿 конверт

🇬🇪 საფოსტო კონვერტი

🇦🇿 zərf

🇲🇽 sobre

Etymology

The word 'envelope' originated from the Old French word 'enveloppe', meaning 'a wrapper or covering'. It was first used in the 14th century to refer to a paper container for a letter. Over time, the usage of 'envelope' expanded to include mathematical contexts, where it refers to a curve or surface that is tangent to a family of curves or surfaces.

See also: envelop.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,431 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.