ream
UK[riːm]US[riːm]
n
A standard quantity of paper, typically 500 sheets.
v
To widen or shape a hole using a special tool.
v
To extract the juice or liquid from fruit or vegetables.
Etymology
The word 'ream' presents a fascinating case of homonymy, where three distinct etymological paths have merged. The noun meaning a quantity of paper entered Middle English from Old French rayme, itself from Arabic rizmah meaning 'bundle'. The verb meaning to widen a hole is of uncertain origin, possibly related to a Germanic root. The verb meaning to extract juice comes from Old English rēam, meaning 'cream', reflecting the action of separating the rich, liquid part from the whole. Over centuries, these separate streams, one from Arabic via Romance languages, one from a potential Germanic source, and one from native Old English, coalesced into the single, versatile modern English word 'ream'.
Analysis
This word is a simplex. Its various meanings derive from distinct historical sources that have converged into a single spelling and pronunciation in modern English.
Examples
The printer ordered a fresh ream of high-quality bond paper.
The machinist used a precision tool to ream the cylinder to the exact diameter.
She learned how to ream lemons efficiently to make a large batch of lemonade.