First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1ream
noun \ˈrēm\
: an amount of paper that equals 480, 500, or 516 sheets
reams : a large amount of writing
Full Definition of REAM
1
: a quantity of paper being 20 quires or variously 480, 500, or 516 sheets
2
: a great amount —usually used in plural <reams of information>
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Origin of REAM
Middle English reme, from Anglo-French, ultimately from Arabic rizma, literally, bundle
Other Paper Terms
2ream
verb
: to criticize (someone) in an angry way
Full Definition of REAM
transitive verb
1
a : to widen the opening of (a hole) : countersink b (1) : to enlarge, shape, or smooth out (a hole) with a reamer (2) : to enlarge the bore of (as a gun) in this way c : to remove by reaming
2
a : to press out with a reamer b : to press out the juice of (as an orange) with a reamer
4
: reprimand —often used with out <reams out his players so severely — Alexander Wolff>
See ream defined for English-language learners
Origin of REAM
perhaps from Middle English *remen to open up, from Old English rēman; akin to Old English rȳman to open up, rūm space — more at room
First Known Use: 1815
Related to REAM
- Synonyms
- beat, bilk, bleed, cheat, chisel, chouse, con, cozen, defraud, diddle, do, do in, euchre, fiddle, flimflam, gaff, gyp, hose [slang], hustle, mulct, nobble [British slang], pluck, fleece, rip off, rook, screw, shake down, short, shortchange, skin, skunk, squeeze, stick, stiff, sting, sucker, swindle, thimblerig, victimize
REAMS Defined for Kids
ream
noun \ˈrēm\
Definition of REAM for Kids
1
: a quantity of paper that may equal 480, 500, or 516 sheets
2
reams plural : a great amount <I took reams of notes in class.>
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