POSTAGE STAMPS Meaning and
Definition
-
Postage stamps are small adhesive pieces of paper that are issued by postal authorities to indicate that the appropriate amount of postage has been paid for mailing a letter or package. They were first introduced in the mid-19th century as a means to simplify the process of sending mail and ensure accurate payment.
The design of postage stamps varies greatly from country to country, often featuring symbols, historical figures, landmarks, or notable events. They are usually printed in multiple colors and bear the name of the issuing postal authority. Stamps may come in various denominations corresponding to different postage rates, allowing individuals to select the appropriate value based on the weight and destination of their mail.
Postage stamps are affixed to envelopes or packages typically in the upper right corner, though some countries may have different placement requirements. They serve as evidence that proper payment has been made to cover the cost of transporting the item through the postal system. Postal workers or automated machinery often cancel the stamps by marking them with ink or a postmark to prevent their reuse.
Collecting postage stamps, known as philately, has become a popular hobby worldwide. Stamp collectors, or philatelists, value stamps for their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Rare or unique stamps can command high prices in the collectors' market.
Overall, postage stamps play a critical role in the efficient and reliable functioning of mail delivery systems, ensuring that letters and parcels can be transported safely and affordably across national and international borders.
Common Misspellings for POSTAGE STAMPS
- oostage stamps
- lostage stamps
- -ostage stamps
- 0ostage stamps
- pistage stamps
- pkstage stamps
- plstage stamps
- ppstage stamps
- p0stage stamps
- p9stage stamps
- poatage stamps
- poztage stamps
- poxtage stamps
- podtage stamps
- poetage stamps
- powtage stamps
- posrage stamps
- posfage stamps
- posgage stamps
- posyage stamps
Etymology of POSTAGE STAMPS
The word "postage stamps" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "postage" originates from the Middle English word "post" or "poste", which means a system of conveying mail or a courier who carries letters and parcels. This Middle English word was in turn derived from the Old French word "poste", which had a similar meaning. The Old French term itself came from the Latin word "posita", which means "placed".
The word "stamp" primarily entered the English language from the Middle Dutch word "stampen", meaning "to pound" or "to strike". This Middle Dutch term closely resembles the Old High German word "stampfon" and the Old Norse word "stampa", both of which have similar meanings.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
