Definition of: paper

(pā′pər) noun
1. A substance made from fibrous cellulose material, as rags, wood, or bark, treated with various chemicals and formed into thin sheets or strips for writing, printing, wrapping and a wide variety of other uses in industry and the arts.
2. A sheet or a web of such material.
3. A printed or written instrument or document.
4. A printed journal; newspaper.
5. A written discourse; essay.
6. Written or printed pledges or promises to pay which are negotiable, as bills of exchange, notes, etc.: called commercial paper.
7. A package containing in a paper wrapping a limited amount or number: a paper of pins.
8. Wallpaper, paperhangings.
9. Slang A marked playing card.
10. plural Small strips of paper on which the hair is twisted to be curled: also curl papers.
11. plural A ship's papers, as invoices, etc. See SHIP'S PAPERS.
12. plural Personal documents or identification, etc.
13. Something having a similar appearance to paper, as papyrus or papier-mâché.
14. Collectively, free orders of admission to a place of amusement; also, an audience so admitted.
—first papers Papers declaring intention of becoming a citizen of the United States: filed by an applicant for naturalization as the first step in the process.
—second papers Popular name for a certificate of naturalization.
—v.t.
1. To put paper on; cover with wallpaper.
2. To fold or enclose in paper.
3. To write or describe on paper.
4. To issue free tickets of admission to (a place of amusement): to paper the house.
—adjective
1. Made of paper.
2. Enrolled, described, or stated on paper; existing only on paper. [<AF papir, OF papier <L papyrus. Doublet of PAPYRUS.]
—pa′per·y adjective