What is letter opener? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of letter opener

letter openernoun

dao mở thư

/ˈletər əʊpənə(r)//ˈletər əʊpənər/

Where does the word letter opener come from?

The term "letter opener" refers to a small handheld tool used to open envelopes without damaging their contents. The origin of the word dates back to the 19th century when the concept of sending letters through the mail became increasingly popular. Before the invention of the letter opener, people commonly used their teeth or a sharp object like a knife to tear the edges of envelopes in order to gain access to the contents inside. These methods of opening letters were not only uncomfortable for the person opening them but also led to damage or loss of the contents. In 1850, Benjamin Todd Clark, a savvy New York businessman, saw this need and invented the first letter opener, designed to cut the adhesive on envelopes neatly and easily. Some of the earliest iterations of letter openers were simple, curved blades attached to ivory or other materials, but as technology advanced, so did the design of letter openers, with many modern versions incorporating sleek, minimalist designs and attractive materials like stainless steel and wood. Today, letter openers remain an essential tool for anyone who receives a high volume of mail or wishes to preserve the integrity of delicate envelopes containing important documents or valuable keepsakes.

Example of vocabulary letter openernamespace

  • Sarah eagerly reached for her mother's antique letter opener, excited to discover whether she had received any mail that day.
  • The grandfather clock chimed, signaling that it was time for James to walk over to the mantle and use his grandmother's delicate silver letter opener to scan through his daily correspondence.
  • After finishing her shift at the post office, Emily rushed home to deftly cut open the envelopes she had received with her vintage letter opener, anxious to see what messages awaited her.
  • Tom's hands trembled as he carefully used his wife's prized letter opener to slice through the seal of the envelope, hoping to find some good news inside.
  • The heirloom letter opener passed down through Sara's family was beautifully engraved with intricate patterns and designs that made her feel a sense of connection to her ancestors as she sliced through each piece of mail.

Synonyms and related words for letter opener


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