office-supply
UK[ˈɒfɪs səplaɪ]US[ˈɔːfɪs səplaɪ]
n
(usually office supplies) The materials, such as paper, pens, and folders, that are regularly used in an office.
Morpheme Breakdown
office
supply
office
place of work
supply
provision of goods
Etymology
The compound "office-supply" is a modern formation that logically combines two well-established English words to denote a specific category of goods. "Office" originates from the Latin officium, which encompassed the concepts of duty, service, and a place where such work is done. "Supply" derives from the Latin supplere, meaning to fill up or make complete. When combined, the term literally means "that which fills up or completes the needs of a workplace." This transparent construction directly reflects its function: naming the consumable materials and equipment required to facilitate administrative and clerical duties in a professional setting.
Analysis
Structure: office (place of work) + supply (provision of goods)
- office: From Latin officium (service, duty, function), via Old French ofice. In this compound, it functions as a noun modifier specifying the domain.
- supply: From Latin supplere (to fill up, complete), via Old French soupleer. In this compound, it functions as the head noun meaning "the things provided."
Examples
We need to order more printer ink and other office supplies before the conference.
The store has a dedicated aisle for office supplies like staplers, notepads, and envelopes.
Her job includes managing the budget for office supplies.