Envelope: meaning, definitions and examples
✉️
envelope
[ ˈɛnvəˌloʊp ]
stationery
A flat paper container with a sealable flap, used to enclose a letter or document.
Synonyms
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.
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
Word origin
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.