: matter that is printed by any of various mechanical processes (as letterpress, lithography) and is eligible for mailing at a special rate by postal regulations which specifically excludes matter produced by various other duplicating processes (as carbon and copying-press copies)
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1. any of various kinds of printed material that qualifies for a special postal rate.
2. a classification of international mail consisting of such items, including catalogs and circulars.
[1875-80]
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printed matter UK US noun [uncountable]
advertisements or documents that contain or consist of printed words
printed matter such as books and pamphlets
Useful english dictionary. 2012.