ream
1a standard quantity of paper, consisting of 20 quires or 500 sheets (formerly 480 sheets), or 516 sheets (printer's ream, or perfect ream ).
Usually reams. a large quantity: He has written reams of poetry.
Origin of ream
1Other definitions for ream (2 of 2)
to enlarge to desired size (a previously bored hole) by means of a reamer.
to clear with a reamer; remove or press out by reaming.
to extract the juice from:to ream an orange.
Slang.
to scold or reprimand severely (usually followed by out).
to cheat; defraud.
Origin of ream
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use ream in a sentence
The horizontal shaft and gear wheel are taken out and the bearings reamed out for a 1/2-in.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2 | VariousAfter the pipe is cut this burr should be reamed out thoroughly.
Elements of Plumbing | Samuel DibbleWhen Rebecca appeared above the cellar-way with a flagon that reamed to a beaded top, the keys were back on the wall.
Heralds of Empire | Agnes C. LautThe hole for the scriber in the scriber clamp of a surface gage is reamed out to fit the rods used with inside micrometers.
Measuring Tools | UnknownEvery bolt about the engine is made to a gauge, and every hole drilled and reamed to a templet.
Illustrated Catalogue of Locomotives | M. Baird, et. al..
British Dictionary definitions for ream (1 of 2)
/ (riːm) /
a number of sheets of paper, formerly 480 sheets (short ream), now 500 sheets (long ream) or 516 sheets (printer's ream or perfect ream). One ream is equal to 20 quires
(often plural) informal a large quantity, esp of written matter: he wrote reams
Origin of ream
1British Dictionary definitions for ream (2 of 2)
/ (riːm) /
to enlarge (a hole) by use of a reamer
US to extract (juice) from (a citrus fruit) using a reamer
Origin of ream
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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