Postmark Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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postmark
[ˈpəʊst.mɑːrk ]
Definition
mail processing
A postmark is an official mark or cancellation mark that is applied by postal services to a piece of mail. This mark indicates the date and location where the mail was processed and is often used to establish the time of mailing. It serves as proof that the item was sent, which can be important for legal or financial reasons. Postmarks can vary in design and format depending on the postal service issuing them, and some collectors seek unique or historical postmarks.
Synonyms
cancellation mark, mail mark, postal mark.
Examples of usage
- The letter had a postmark from New York.
- He framed the envelope because of its rare postmark.
- The package arrived with a faded postmark.
- She checked the postmark to confirm the mailing date.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- Early postmarks were important for identifying the time of mailing, which was crucial in legal matters.
- In the 19th century, different postal services established unique postmarks to represent various regions, creating a system of coded geography.
Cultural Relevance
- Postmarks can be collectible; some people enjoy finding unique or rare postmarks from around the world.
- In philately (the collection of stamps), postmarks add historical value, showing the journey of the mail.
Technology
- With the rise of digital communication, traditional postage and postmarks have diminished but live on in niche markets and collectors' interests.
- Automated postal systems use postmarking machines to ensure efficiency, with advanced technology allowing for precise date and time stamps.
Art and Literature
- Writers and poets have often used postmarks as symbols of communication and the passage of time in their works.
- Art installations sometimes incorporate postmarks as a way to discuss themes of distance and connection.
Origin of 'postmark'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'postmark' comes from the early 1800s, combining 'post,' meaning mail, and 'mark,' indicating a stamp or sign.
- Before the term became widely used, mail was often just marked with a handwritten date and place.
The term 'postmark' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'post,' which comes from the Latin 'postis' meaning 'post' or 'station,' and 'mark,' which refers to a symbol or indication. The practice of marking mail for identification and cancellation began in the 1600s, when postal systems were being established in various countries. Initially, postmarks were simple straight lines or crosses, but as postal services evolved, they adopted more complex and decorative postmarks. The introduction of the postage stamp in the mid-19th century further developed the use of postmarks. They provided a way to show that postage had been paid and helped to prevent the reuse of stamps. Over time, postmarks became a significant part of postal history and culture, leading to the collection and study of these markings by philatelists.