ream
UK: riːm | US: riːm
n. a quantity of paper, typically 500 sheets
vt. to widen or shape a hole using a tool
vt. (informal) to cheat or defraud someone
No data yet.
The word "ream" traces back to Old French rayme (a bundle of paper), likely derived from Arabic rizma (bundle). The verb sense (to widen a hole) emerged later, possibly influenced by the idea of "expanding" like a bundle of paper. The informal meaning (to cheat) is 20th-century slang, metaphorically extending the idea of "hollowing out" or "exploiting."
The printer ordered a ream of high-quality paper.
The mechanic reamed the pipe to ensure a snug fit.
(Informal) He felt reamed after paying double the actual price.
Each ream contains exactly 500 sheets.
The carpenter reamed the wooden plank before inserting the dowel.