capa: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialized / TechnicalFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “capa” mean?
A unit for measuring paper quantity, specifically 500 sheets.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit for measuring paper quantity, specifically 500 sheets.
In historical or specialized contexts, can refer to a long cloak or cape, though this usage is rare in modern English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in core meaning. The archaic 'cloak' sense might be slightly more recognized in British historical contexts.
Connotations
Technical, industrial. No negative or positive connotations.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; high within the paper industry.
Grammar
How to Use “capa” in a Sentence
[Quantity] + ream(s) + of + [Material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capa” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The printer will ream the paper before binding.
American English
- The machine reams the paper stacks to ensure uniformity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for procurement in stationery, printing, and publishing.
Academic
Used in library sciences, archival studies, and publishing courses.
Everyday
Virtually unused; 'pack of paper' is more common.
Technical
The standard unit of measurement in paper manufacturing and specification.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capa”
- Using 'ream' for small quantities of paper.
- Spelling as 'reem'.
- Mispronouncing to rhyme with 'team' (it rhymes with 'dream').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Figuratively, 'reams of' means a large amount of written material. The historical 'cloak' meaning is obsolete.
Traditionally and most commonly, 500 sheets. However, printer paper is often sold in 400 or 500-sheet packs.
As a verb, 'to ream' is a technical term meaning to widen or shape a hole, or in papermaking, to process paper into sheets. It is not common.
No, it is a specialized term (C1 level). Learners are more likely to encounter 'pack of paper' or '500 sheets' in everyday contexts.
A unit for measuring paper quantity, specifically 500 sheets.
Capa is usually formal / technical in register.
Capa: in British English it is pronounced /ˈreɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /reɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reams of (something): an extremely large amount of writing or data.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'ream' of paper as a 'ream' (or 'reams') of work you can do with it.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS MASS (e.g., reams of evidence).
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, 'reams of' most likely means: