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envelope Definition

en·velope (än′və lōp′, en′-)

noun

  1. a thing that envelops; wrapper; covering
  2. a folded paper container as for a letter, usually with a gummed flap for sealing
    1. the outer covering of a rigid airship
    2. the bag that contains the gas in a balloon or nonrigid airship
  4. the set of limitations, as for a particular aircraft, system, etc., within the boundaries of which it can operate safely and efficiently
  5. a set of limits or boundaries: usually in the informal phrase push the envelope, to go beyond or attempt to go beyond established rules, limits, expectations, etc.
  6. Astron. a cloudy mass surrounding the nucleus of a comet; coma
  7. Biol. any enclosing membrane, skin, shell, etc.
  8. Math. a curve that is tangent to every one of a family of curves, or a surface that is tangent to every one of a family of surfaces

Etymology: Fr & OFr enveloppe < OFr envoluper: see envelop

envelope Synonyms

envelope

n.

receptacle, pouch, mailer, cover, pocket, bag, container, box, covering, case, hide, wrapper, wrapping, jacket, holder, enclosure, vesicle, sheath, casing.

envelope Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • stamp: Please enclose a stamped address envelope with checks for return of tickets.
  • push: I began to push the envelope, to go where reality mixed with fantasy.
  • address: A stamped, addressed envelope should be enclosed for reply.
  • enclose: You can support this life changing work by using the enclosed envelope.
  • pre-address: A pre-addressed envelope to be returned to the mailer.

Preposition: with

  • stamp: Balliol, 23 Mar 1873, ALS [ 2 leaves ] , envelope with stamp preserved.

Adjective modifier

  • self-addressed: Copies can also be sent out upon receipt of a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
  • sealed: Attach the sealed envelope to your entry with a paper clip.
  • pre-paid: Tesco stores also provide pre-paid envelopes to send your old phones for recycling.
  • prepaid: You will receive a prepaid envelope to send us your photos, digital images on CD, or artwork.
  • A4: Avoid folding your CV -- use an A4 envelope.
  • spectral: The bell-shaped curve forms a " spectral envelope " .

Modifies a noun

  • stuffing: Paul and Heidi get a special mention for last minute envelope stuffing, even tho they weren't playing in the game.
  • sender: Filtering messages with an empty envelope sender risks to render these attempts useless.

Noun used with modifier

  • freepost: There will be a freepost envelope for you to send back the form.
  • manila: Easy Spot Handle Wraps Manila Envelope Pack a large manila envelope on the bottom of your suitcase.
  • offertory: OFFERTORY ENVELOPES for the next financial year are available for collection today from the Baptistry.
  • amplitude: Amplitude envelope of speech signal ( rectified and smoothed at 25Hz ).
  • ballot: The ballot paper must then be sealed in the ballot paper envelope.
  • quartz: This is all done in a quartz glass envelope filled with pure xenon gas.
envelope Quotes

Life†is a luminous halo, a semi-transparent envelope surrounding us from the beginning of consciousness to the end.

—Woolf, (Adeline) Virginia ne¤  e Stephen