How Do You Spell PRECANCELS?

Pronunciation: [pɹɪkˈansə͡lz] (IPA)

The word "precancels" is spelled as /priːˈkænsəlz/. The first syllable "pre-" means "before" and the second syllable "cancels" refers to stamps that have been canceled, meaning it has been marked to indicate it has already been used. "Precancels" therefore refers to stamps that have been canceled before they are sold or issued, typically by mailing companies or governments. The phonetic transcription of this word highlights the stress on the first syllable, with the vowels "ee" and "a" pronounced distinctly.

PRECANCELS Meaning and Definition

1. Precancels refer to postage stamps that have been canceled before they are sold to the public, typically with a specially designed ink or marking. These marks are applied by the post office or authorized postal agencies to indicate that the stamp has already been used and cannot be used again for mailing purposes. The purpose of precanceling stamps is to expedite the process of mailing large quantities of letters and packages.

   Precancels usually feature the name of a specific city, organization, or institution, allowing postal workers to quickly recognize and sort mail originating from that particular location. They are particularly useful for businesses, organizations, or government entities that regularly send out large volumes of mail, as they can save time and effort by bypassing the need to individually cancel each stamp.

   The design and appearance of precancels can vary greatly, ranging from simple printed lines or dots to more elaborate logos and symbols. Certain precancels are highly sought after by stamp collectors due to their rarity or historical significance. Some collectors even specialize in precancels, focusing on specific cities or types of marks.

   Overall, precancels are an essential component of the postal system, facilitating the efficient processing of mail and helping to distinguish mail from different origins. They exemplify the ongoing efforts to streamline mail operations and ensure the smooth delivery of postal items.

Common Misspellings for PRECANCELS

• precancells
• precencels
• precuneus
• precencells
• prececancels

Etymology of PRECANCELS

The word "precancels" is a blend of two words: "pre" and "cancels".

- "Pre" is a prefix from Latin meaning "before" or "prior to".

- "Cancels" is the plural form of the noun "cancel" which comes from the Latin word "cancelli", meaning "lattice" or "grating". In this context, "cancel" refers to the act of marking or defacing a postage stamp to indicate that it has been used.

Therefore, "precancels" refers to items that are canceled before they are affixed to an object, specifically in the context of postage stamps. Precancels are stamps that are specially marked with cancellation lines or other markings by the postal service before they are sold or used.