Reamed

Reamed is the past tense and past participle of the verb ream, and it is used in several related senses. In a mechanical and manufacturing context, to ream means to enlarge, finish, or true a hole with a reamer. A reamed hole is intended to be more accurate in diameter and smoother in surface finish than one produced by drilling alone. Reamed workpieces may require tight tolerance holes for bushings, pins, or fasteners. The term can also describe the process of smoothing or deburring the interior surface of a hole to remove imperfections and achieve the desired finish.

A reamer is a specialized cutting tool with precisely ground cutting edges and, in many designs, a slightly tapered or mandrel-like shaft. Reaming is typically performed after drilling or boring, using controlled feeds and speeds, often with lubrication or cutting fluid to reduce friction and heat. Reaming can be done manually with hand reamers or mechanically on drill presses, lathes, or milling machines. Tools vary in style, such as straight-flute, spiral-flute, or adjustables, and the choice depends on material, required tolerance, and finish.

In informal or slang usage, to ream someone means to cheat, swindle, or harshly criticize them, often implying a forceful scolding or punishment. This usage is unrelated to the mechanical sense and is considered vulgar in some contexts. The phrase “reamed out” describes a thorough verbal rebuke.

The term ream also appears in the sense of a large quantity of paper (a ream), though “reamed” is rarely applied in that sense; it more commonly occurs in contexts discussing tools and machining, or in the slang sense when referring to an interaction.