Bureau of Engraving and Printing

1 6.8

A United States government office that designs and prints paper money and other secure government papers

proper noun

Formal

: Oficina de Grabado e Impresión

How do I apply for a position at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing?

Examples

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has exclusively designed, engraved, and printed all United States paper money since 1862.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is responsible for manufacturing U.S. paper currency.
The security features in dollars are developed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing are popular with visitors to Washington, D.C.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produces all U.S. paper currency.
Have you visited the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C.?
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has never been authorized to print a $3 note.

Surface Forms

Bureau of Engraving and Printing main

Morphology

bureau + of + engraving + and + printing

The name is fully compositional: 'bureau' (an official agency) of 'engraving and printing' clearly indicates an agency responsible for engraving and printing activities. A B1 learner who knows the constituent words can therefore infer the phrase refers to an office that handles engraving and printing (in context, the government body that produces printed/security items), so the meaning is transparent.

Etymology

Bureau of Engraving and Printing: The name is simple — a bureau is a government office, engraving is cutting detailed designs into metal plates, and printing is pressing ink from those plates onto paper. So the name tells you this office makes 'paper money' and other secure government papers.