paper

pa•per

[[t]ˈpeɪ pər[/t]] n.

1) pri a substance made from wood pulp, rags, or other fibrous material, usu. in thin sheets, used to write or print on, for wrapping, for decorating walls, etc

2) pri a piece, sheet, or leaf of this

3) pri something resembling this substance, as papyrus

4) pri a written or printed document or the like

5) a newspaper or journal

6) a scholarly essay, article, or dissertation, usu. intended for publication

7) a written piece of schoolwork, as a composition

8) Often, papers. a document establishing or verifying identity, status, or the like:

citizenship papers[/ex]

9) negotiable notes, bills, etc., as commercial paper or paper money

10) cvb a promissory note

11) wallpaper

12) a sheet of paper with pins or needles stuck through it in rows

13) sts Slang. a free pass to an entertainment

14) to cover with wallpaper

15) to line or cover with paper

16) cvb to distribute handbills, posters, etc., throughout (an area)

17) to fold or wrap in paper

18) to supply with paper

19) cvb Informal. to deluge with documents, esp. those requiring response or compliance

20) sts Slang. to fill (a theater or the like) by giving away free tickets

21) archaic

a) to write or set down on paper

b) to describe in writing

22) to apply wallpaper to walls

23) phv paper over, to conceal or cover up (dissension, controversy, etc.), esp. to preserve an impression of accord

24) made of paper: a paper bag

25) like paper; thin or flimsy

26) pertaining to routine clerical duties

27) conducted by means of letters, articles, books, etc.:

a paper war[/ex]

28) existing on paper only; not realized:

paper profits[/ex]

•

- on paper

Etymology: 1325–75; ME papire < L papȳrus papyrus pa′per•er, n.