I. ˈrēm noun
Etymology: Middle English reme, from Anglo-French, ultimately from Arabic rizma, literally, bundle
Date: 14th century
1. : a quantity of paper being 20 quires or variously 480, 500, or 516 sheets
2. : a great amount — usually used in plural
ream s of information
II. transitive verb
Etymology: perhaps from Middle English * remen to open up, from Old English rēman; akin to Old English rȳman to open up, rūm space — more at room
Date: 1815
1.
a. : to widen the opening of (a hole) : countersink
b.
(1) : to enlarge, shape, or smooth out (a hole) with a reamer
(2) : to enlarge the bore of (as a gun) in this way
c. : to remove by reaming
2.
a. : to press out with a reamer
b. : to press out the juice of (as an orange) with a reamer
3. : cheat , victimize
4. : reprimand — often used with out
ream s out his players so severely — Alexander Wolff