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philately

[ fi-lat-l-ee ]

noun

  1. the collecting of stamps and other postal matter as a hobby or an investment.
  2. the study of postage stamps, revenue stamps, stamped envelopes, postmarks, postal cards, covers, and similar material relating to postal or fiscal history.


philately

/ ˌfɪləˈtɛlɪk; fɪˈlætəlɪ /

noun

  1. the collection and study of postage stamps and all related material concerned with postal history


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Derived Forms

  • phiˈlatelist, noun
  • philatelic, adjective
  • ˌphilaˈtelically, adverb

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Other Words From

  • phil·a·tel·ic [fil-, uh, -, tel, -ik], phil·a·tel·i·cal adjective
  • phil·a·tel·i·cal·ly adverb
  • phi·lat·e·list [fi-, lat, -l-ist], noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of philately1

First recorded in 1860–65; from French philatélie, from Greek phil- phil- + atéleia “freedom from charges” (taken to mean recipient's freedom from delivery charges by virtue of the stamp which sender affixed to the letter), literally, “want of taxation,” equivalent to a- a- 6 + tél(os) “tax” + -eia -y 3

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Word History and Origins

Origin of philately1

C19: from French philatélie, from philo- + Greek ateleia exemption from charges (here referring to stamps), from a- 1+ telos tax, payment

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Example Sentences

Philately, fi-lat′e-li, n. the study and collection of postage and revenue stamps and labels (also Timbrophily, Timbrology).

Strictly speaking, the so-called "officially sealed stamps" are not stamps, as that term is technically employed in philately.

Every new phase of recreation from playgrounds to philately presently has its countrywide association.

It is impossible to estimate the injury resulting to Philately.

Like the lady said to the stamp collector, philately will get you everywhere.

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