POSTAGE STAMP Meaning and
Definition
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A postage stamp refers to a small piece of paper that is affixed to a letter or parcel as an indication that the required fee for the postal service has been paid. These stamps are usually printed with various designs, images, and denominations to represent the value they hold. The purpose of a postage stamp is to enable the sender of mail to cover the cost of postage and ensure that the item reaches its intended destination.
Postage stamps are an integral part of the postal system, functioning as evidence of payment and serving as a standardized way to determine the cost of sending mail based on its weight, size, and destination. They often have adhesive backing to conveniently allow for attachment to envelopes or packages. The design and appearance of postage stamps can vary widely, often depicting historical figures, national symbols, landmarks, flags, or cultural motifs, making them collectible and sought after by philatelists.
These stamps are typically issued by national postal authorities and can be purchased at post offices, authorized dealers, or through online platforms. Some countries issue commemorative stamps to honor special events, anniversaries, or notable figures. The value of a postage stamp is directly correlated to the required postage rate, allowing users to select the appropriate denomination based on the mailing parameters. Postage stamps have been in use since the early 19th century and continue to play a vital role in facilitating mail delivery worldwide.
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An adhesive government stamp, of different values, for affixing to letters o parcels to be sent by post; from pillar to post, to and fro; knight of the post, one who gains his living by false evidence; a sharper in general.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for POSTAGE STAMP
- oostage stamp
- lostage stamp
- -ostage stamp
- 0ostage stamp
- pistage stamp
- pkstage stamp
- plstage stamp
- ppstage stamp
- p0stage stamp
- p9stage stamp
- poatage stamp
- poztage stamp
- poxtage stamp
- podtage stamp
- poetage stamp
- powtage stamp
- posrage stamp
- posfage stamp
- posgage stamp
Etymology of POSTAGE STAMP
The word "postage" originated in the late 17th century and comes from the Latin word "postage", which means "carriage" or "traveling fast". The term referred to the cost or fee paid to send a letter or package through the postal system.
The word "stamp" comes from the Old French word "estampe", which means "a mark, impression, or print". It can be traced back to the Latin word "stapula", meaning "to press" or "stamp with the feet". The literal meaning of stamp is to impress or mark by pressing or striking a surface.
The combination of these terms, "postage stamp", is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century when adhesive stamps began to be used for prepaying the carriage fees for mail. These stamps were designed to be affixed to the envelope or package as proof of payment.
Idioms with the word POSTAGE STAMP
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on the back of a postage stamp
The idiom "on the back of a postage stamp" is used to describe something that is very small, concise or limited in space. It implies that the information, idea, or explanation being discussed is extremely brief and could easily fit on the back of a small postage stamp.
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fit on the back of a postage stamp
The idiom "fit on the back of a postage stamp" typically means that something is so small or brief that it could easily be written or expressed on a small surface like the back of a postage stamp. It implies that whatever is being described is concise, containing very little information, or lacking complexity.
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fit/write sth on the back of a postage stamp
The idiom "fit/write something on the back of a postage stamp" means that very little information or content is needed to describe or explain something. It implies that the subject matter is very concise or lacks depth, almost to the extent that it can be written on a small space like the back of a postage stamp.
Similar spelling word for POSTAGE STAMP
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