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envelop

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvɛləp, ɛn-/

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Definition of envelop

verb (envelops, enveloping, enveloped)

[with object]
  • wrap up, cover, or surround completely:a figure enveloped in a black cloak figurativea feeling of despair enveloped him

Derivatives

envelopment

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (formerly also as invelop(e)): from Old French envoluper, from en- 'in' + a second element (also found in develop) of unknown origin

Envelop is a verb, stressed on the second syllable and meaning ‘wrap completely’. The noun meaning ‘paper container for a letter’ is envelope, stressed on the first syllable.

Do not confuse envelop with envelope. Envelop means 'cover or surround something completely' (the mist seemed to envelop the boat), whereas envelope means 'a paper container for a letter' (a stamped addressed envelope).

envelop in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of envelop in the US English dictionary
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