Paperweight: meaning, definitions and examples
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paperweight
[ˈpeɪpərˌweɪt ]
Definition
office supply
A paperweight is a small, heavy object used to hold down sheets of paper to prevent them from blowing away or getting scattered. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, including glass, metal, and stone. In addition to their functional use, paperweights often serve as decorative items on desks or shelves. They can also be given as gifts, often engraved or personalized with messages or designs. In some cases, paperweights are collected as a hobby due to their artistic appeal.
Synonyms
desk weight, weight.
Examples of usage
- I used a glass paperweight to keep my documents in place.
- The paperweight on my desk is a lovely sculpture.
- Can you pass me the paperweight to hold down this report?
- She collects vintage paperweights from different countries.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'paperweight' combines 'paper' from Latin 'papyrus', meaning a writing material, and 'weight', meaning something heavy.
- This term started being used in the early 19th century as people began to use paper more for letters and documents.
History
- In the 19th century, decorative paperweights became popular, often made from glass and used as art pieces.
- Some of the earliest paperweights were created in France, showcasing intricate designs with flowers and patterns, popular among collectors.
Art
- Glass paperweights can be beautiful works of art, with many featuring millefiori (thousand flowers) patterns.
- Artists often incorporate crystals, bubbles, or even tiny scenes into paperweights, transforming mundane objects into collectible treasures.
Science
- A paperweight's effectiveness relies on its weight and surface area; heavier paperweights can resist more wind.
- The physics of how a paperweight works involves the principles of gravity and friction, keeping papers in place.
Pop Culture
- In movies and literature, paperweights have been used as symbols of stability or to represent memories, such as in the story 'The Glass Paperweight' in '1984' by George Orwell.
- Many collectors eagerly seek unique and artistic paperweights, creating communities centered around this seemingly simple object.
Translations
Translations of the word "paperweight" in other languages:
🇵🇹 peso de papel
🇮🇳 कागज़ का वज़न
🇩🇪 Papiergewicht
🇮🇩 penahan kertas
🇺🇦 вага для паперу
🇵🇱 przyciski do papieru
🇯🇵 ペーパーウェイト
🇫🇷 presse-papier
🇪🇸 sujetalibros
🇹🇷 kağıt ağırlığı
🇰🇷 종이 무게
🇸🇦 وزن الورق
🇨🇿 zátěž na papír
🇸🇰 ťažítko na papier
🇨🇳 纸镇
🇸🇮 teža za papir
🇮🇸 pappavigt
🇰🇿 қағаз салмағы
🇬🇪 ქაღალდის წონა
🇦🇿 kağız çəkisi
🇲🇽 sujetalibros