Onion-skin

An onion-skin refers to a thin, translucent sheet of paper, often used for typing or writing. It's characterized by its delicacy, resulting in its tendency to tear or wrinkle easily. The term can also metaphorically describe something fragile or delicate, resembling the paper's physical characteristics, such as a person's emotional state, a fragile situation, or a delicate object. onion-skin paper is known for its lightweight properties, which make it useful for saving space in correspondence, reports, or any documentation where reducing bulk is important. Its thinness allows for multiple copies to be made through carbon paper.

Onion-skin meaning with examples

• The old manuscript was written on onion-skin paper, its fragile pages yellowed with age. Careful handling was necessary to avoid tears. The script, barely visible in places, revealed a fascinating glimpse into the past. Every word was precious, the paper mirroring the historical significance of the document. The paper's transparency allowed glimpses of the annotations on the reverse side.
• Her self-esteem felt like onion-skin, easily bruised by any criticism. A careless comment could shatter her confidence. She struggled to appear strong, masking her inner fragility. This thin facade masked her true feelings and prevented any real emotional connection. She longed for a thick skin that shielded her vulnerability.
• The architect prepared a detailed drawing on onion-skin, its delicate lines a testament to precision. The plans showed the delicate framework of the building, with the fine detail captured. The thin paper allowed him to overlay different designs to assess modifications easily. This approach simplified comparisons of different building features to arrive at a final design.
• The antique teacup felt like onion-skin in my hands. The fragile object was beautiful, but the slightest pressure posed a risk of shattering it into a million pieces. It demanded cautious handling, a constant awareness of its delicacy. Displaying it required a special showcase, which was both a visual and physical safeguard.