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oilpaper

oilpaper

1 9.6
Thin paper that is made waterproof and slightly see-through by soaking in oil
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : papel encerado
  • To protect the manuscript from moisture, it was wrapped in a sheet of oilpaper.

Examples

  • The lantern's shade was made of delicate oilpaper that glowed softly in the darkness.

  • Traditional Chinese umbrellas are often crafted using bamboo and oilpaper.

  • The artist used oilpaper for her latest painting.

  • He wrapped the sandwiches in oilpaper.

  • The artist used oilpaper to create beautiful, translucent lanterns for the festival.

  • She wrapped the delicate pastries in oilpaper to keep them fresh and dry.

  • The fisherman covered his supplies with oilpaper to protect them from water damage.

Synonyms

oilcloth
vsoilpaper
2 6.8

A strong cloth covered with oil that protects tables from water and stains

uses paper soaked in oil to become translucent and waterproof
greaseproof paper
vsoilpaper
  • UK
1 3.9

Paper that does not soak up oil and is used to line baking trays and wrap food

is soaked with oil to become translucent and fully waterproof

Surface Forms

oilpaper singular
oilpapers plural

Morphology

oilpaper = oil + paper (transparent) = oil + paper

The meaning is directly derived from the combination of 'oil' and 'paper', referring to paper treated with oil.

Etymology

Oilpaper combines oil and paper. It means paper soaked in oil to become 'waterproof' and is often used for umbrellas and lanterns, so you can remember it as paper that keeps out water and lets light through.