onionskin

American  

[uhn-yuhn-skin] / ˈʌn yənˌskɪn /

noun

1. a thin, lightweight, translucent, glazed paper, used especially for making carbon copies.

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onionskin British  

/ ˈʌnjənˌskɪn /

noun

1. a glazed translucent paper

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Etymology

Origin of onionskin

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; onion + skin

Example Sentences

I scoured the onionskin pages of Hemmings Motor News in search of what the English call a “well-sorted” car: mechanically sound but far from concours, one that I wouldn’t be afraid to drive.

From Washington Post • Nov. 21, 2021

Her mother dutifully obliged, writing her instructions in Hindi on onionskin paper that Jaffrey still has.

From The Guardian • May 6, 2019

Most followed the prevailing Provençal fashion: rosés the color of pale onionskin.

From New York Times • Jul. 5, 2018

First, he read the original investigation reports, some of which he said were written on onionskin paper.

From Washington Times • Jan. 9, 2017

Having stuffed the onionskin carbons in his briefcase, Rick left his superior’s office and ascended once more to the roof and his parked hovercar.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick