Ream: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“„
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ream

 

[ riหm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

paper measurement

A ream is a unit of measurement for paper, traditionally indicating a total of 500 sheets. It is commonly used in the paper industry and is essential for both purchasing and selling paper. The concept of a ream dates back to the 15th century and has historical significance in standardizing paper quantities. Beyond paper, the term can sometimes refer to a large quantity of various materials.

Synonyms

bundle, packet

Examples of usage

  • I bought a ream of printer paper for the office.
  • The contract specified a ream of paper to be delivered.
  • He used a ream of old pages for his art project.
Context #2 | Noun

slang term

In informal contexts, 'ream' can also refer to a significant amount of something, often used with a connotation of excess. It is considered slang and is frequently employed in conversational English to describe overwhelming quantities.

Synonyms

load, lot

Examples of usage

  • I got a ream of work to do this weekend.
  • There was a ream of information that I had to digest.
  • He had a ream of excuses ready for his tardiness.

Translations

Translations of the word "ream" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น resma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเฅ€เคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schriftstรผck

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rim

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐั‡ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ryza

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒชใƒผใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rame

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ resma

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท paket

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฆฌ์—„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑูŠู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ raลกelina

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ razeลˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไปค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ream

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rim

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะฐะบะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ”แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ reym

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ resma

Etymology

The term 'ream' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'raime', which itself comes from the Arabic 'rizma', meaning 'a bundle'. This terminology was historically associated with the quantity of paper and other sheets. Over the centuries, the definition of a ream has fluctuated with various cultures standardizing it to the current measurement of 500 sheets. Despite the evolution of the term, its core meaning remained centered around the idea of bulk and quantity, particularly in trades involving materials like paper, textiles, and other goods. The concept of a 'ream' also emphasizes the importance of standardization in commerce and industry, allowing for easier transactions and procurement.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,955, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.