Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thin, strong, opaque paper: A specific type of high-quality paper, historically used for printing fine books, especially Bibles and dictionaries, due to its thinness, durability, and opacity.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Oxford English Dictionary was originally printed on india paper to keep the volumes manageable.
  • Collectors value the edition for its use of genuine india paper.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Printing Context: The term is primarily used in the context of historical printing, bookbinding, and bibliography. It describes a material characteristic of high-quality publications from the 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries.
  • The bible's thinness is a result of the india paper used in its binding.

Variants and Related Words

• Bible paper: A common synonym for india paper, highlighting its frequent use in printing Bibles.
  • Modern reference books sometimes use bible paper, a direct descendant of traditional india paper.

Synonyms

• Bible paper: Thin, opaque paper used for books.
• Oxford paper: Sometimes used interchangeably, named after its use by Oxford University Press.

Notes on Meaning

• The name "india paper" is historical and does not denote origin from India. It originally referred to a type of paper imported from China, with "India" being a historical European term for the East. In modern papermaking, the technical specifications (thin, opaque, strong) define it more than the name.

Noun

1. a thin tough opaque paper used in fine books