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Paste Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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paste

[peษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action

To paste means to attach something to a surface using an adhesive substance.

Synonyms

adhere, attach, stick.

Examples of usage

  • She pasted the picture onto the wall.
  • Please paste the document into the email.
  • He pasted the stamp into his collection.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

In computing, paste refers to the action of inserting copied text or images into a document or file.

Synonyms

copy and paste, insert.

Examples of usage

  • Use the paste command to insert the copied text.
  • After copying the image, you can paste it into the presentation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • In cooking, paste refers to mixtures like tomato paste or curry paste, enhancing the flavor of dishes.
  • Dough for pastries is often considered a form of paste due to its thick consistency before baking.
  • Certain sauces, such as pesto, begin as a paste before adding additional ingredients like oil and cheese.

Art and Craft

  • Artists use paste in techniques like papier-mรขchรฉ, where paper is shaped and bonded using a paste mixture.
  • In ceramics, paste refers to a mixture used for joining pieces together or for creating textured surfaces.
  • Crafting often involves paste in forms like glue or adhesive, essential for assembling projects.

Technology

  • In computing, 'paste' refers to the action of inserting copied text or images into a document or application.
  • Clipboard technology allows users to easily copy and paste information between different applications.
  • The command for pasting often uses keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+V or Command+V, showcasing its ubiquitous role in digital tasks.

Historical Significance

  • Pastes have been used since ancient times, with evidence of early forms of it found in archaeological sites.
  • In the early days of printing, paste was used to bond paper and surfaces in bookbinding and poster creation.
  • Traditional forms of paste were made from natural materials, like flour and water, before the advent of synthetic adhesives.

Origin of 'paste'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pasta', meaning 'dough' or 'paste', reflecting its thick texture.
  • Historically, it was used to describe a mixture made from ground grains and water before cooking.
  • The term has evolved in various languages, including French 'pรขte', which also refers to dough or paste.

The word 'paste' originates from the Middle English word 'pasten', which comes from Old French 'paster', ultimately from the Latin word 'pasta' meaning 'dough, paste'. The sense of 'inserting copied text or images' in computing emerged in the mid-20th century.

See also: antipasto, past, pasta, pastime, pastor, pasture, pasty.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,389 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.