REAM Meaning and
Definition
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A "ream" is a unit of measurement used predominantly for paper or cardboard, referring to a large quantity or bundle of sheets. It typically consists of 500 sheets, although different countries may have slight variations in the exact number. Originating from the Old French word "ronde" meaning "bundle," the term was adopted in the English language around the 14th century.
In the context of paper products, a ream serves as a convenient way to measure and distribute sheets efficiently. This standardized quantity ensures consistency in the paper industry, as it allows for ease in estimating costs, calculating quantities, or specifying requirements. For instance, when purchasing paper for office or printing purposes, reams are often sold in packages or boxes containing this fixed number of sheets.
Moreover, the term "ream" can also have a broader figurative definition. It can be used to describe a considerable amount or large quantity of anything, beyond its specific association with paper. In this sense, it implies a substantial volume, often suggesting an excess or surplus. This figurative usage is commonly found in phrases like "a ream of information" or "a ream of data," indicating a significant amount of knowledge, facts, or numbers.
In summary, "ream" primarily refers to a bundle of approximately 500 sheets of paper or cardboard. Beyond this literal definition, it can be employed metaphorically to denote a large quantity or an abundance of something.
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• A quantity of paper consisting of twenty quires; among printers, twenty-one and a half quires.
• In block-making, to level out or increase the size of a hole with an instrument.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for REAM *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for REAM
Etymology of REAM
The word "ream" has a complex etymology.
Originally, the word "ream" comes from the Old English word "hreme", which meant "cream" or "frost". Over time, the word evolved and its meaning expanded. In Middle English, the word turned into "rem", which referred to a quantity or bundle of items.
In the context of measuring paper, "ream" came to be used as a term for a specific amount, roughly encompassing 500 sheets. This usage originated in the 14th century when paper was often produced in increments of 480 or 516 sheets, and "ream" was used to represent a standard quantity close to these figures. The term "ream" itself is thought to be derived from the Germanic root *hramjō, meaning "something that is gathered together or heaped".
Idioms with the word REAM
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ream sth out
The idiom "ream sth out" means to clean or clear something thoroughly and vigorously. It is often used to describe the action of eliminating dirt, debris, or blockages from a space or object by forcefully removing or flushing out unwanted materials.
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ream someone's ass
The phrase "ream someone's ass" is an informal and possibly offensive idiom that means to criticize, scold, or reprimand someone severely or harshly for their actions or behavior. It implies that the reprimand is forceful and might involve pointing out someone's mistakes or wrongdoing in a direct and blunt manner.
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ream sm out
Similar spelling words for REAM
- Remy,
- Reaume,
- Remo,
- reno,
- Renea,
- Rema,
- Reyome,
- rem,
- reamy,
- rehn,
- Reyna,
- Rehm,
- Renay,
- Renna,
- Reena,
- Rene,
- Renae,
- Rena,
- RENN,
- rein,
- Reina,
- Reanna,
- reny.
Conjugate verb Ream
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have reamed
you
would have reamed
he/she/it
would have reamed
we
would have reamed
they
would have reamed
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been reaming
you
would have been reaming
he/she/it
would have been reaming
we
would have been reaming
they
would have been reaming
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would ream
you
would ream
he/she/it
would ream
we
would ream
they
would ream
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be reaming
you
would be reaming
he/she/it
would be reaming
we
would be reaming
they
would be reaming
FUTURE
I
will ream
you
will ream
he/she/it
will ream
we
will ream
they
will ream
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be reaming
you
will be reaming
he/she/it
will be reaming
we
will be reaming
they
will be reaming
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have reamed
you
will have reamed
he/she/it
will have reamed
we
will have reamed
they
will have reamed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been reaming
you
will have been reaming
he/she/it
will have been reaming
we
will have been reaming
they
will have been reaming
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s ream
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was reaming
you
were reaming
he/she/it
was reaming
we
were reaming
they
were reaming
PAST PARTICIPLE
reamed
PAST PERFECT
I
had reamed
you
had reamed
he/she/it
had reamed
we
had reamed
they
had reamed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been reaming
you
had been reaming
he/she/it
had been reaming
we
had been reaming
they
had been reaming
PRESENT
I
ream
you
ream
he/she/it
reams
we
ream
they
ream
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am reaming
you
are reaming
he/she/it
is reaming
we
are reaming
they
are reaming
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
reaming
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have reamed
you
have reamed
he/she/it
has reamed
we
have reamed
they
have reamed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been reaming
you
have been reaming
he/she/it
has been reaming
we
have been reaming
they
have been reaming
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
ream
SIMPLE PAST
I
reamed
you
reamed
he/she/it
reamed
we
reamed
they
reamed
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