A–Z definitions of common terms used across Rollpedia. Each entry links to the fullest article on that topic where one exists.
A
Activated charcoal (activated carbon) — A form of carbon processed to have a highly porous internal structure with a large surface area. Used in some filter tips and pipe filters to adsorb gaseous compounds from the smoke stream via weak intermolecular forces (Van der Waals forces).
Adsorption — A surface phenomenon where gas-phase molecules are held on the surface of a solid material (such as activated carbon) by weak intermolecular forces. Distinct from absorption, where a substance is drawn into the bulk of another material. See pipe filter types for a detailed explanation.
B
Balsa wood filter — A pipe filter made from a cylindrical rod of balsa wood. Absorbs moisture and liquid condensate from the smoke stream through the wood’s porous cellular structure. Associated primarily with Savinelli’s Balsa System. See charcoal, balsa, and meerschaum pipe filters.
Bleached (papers) — Rolling papers that have been whitened during manufacturing, producing a white sheet. The paper industry uses elemental chlorine-free (ECF) or totally chlorine-free (TCF) methods. See bleached vs. unbleached rolling papers.
C
Cellulose acetate — A synthetic polymer derived from wood pulp cellulose, used as the standard filter material in manufactured cigarettes and in some rolling filter tips. Does not biodegrade quickly.
Cigarette tube — A pre-made paper cylinder with a filter already attached at one end. Filled with loose tobacco using a tube-filling machine (injector). Available in king size (~84 mm) and 100s (~100 mm). See cigarette tube sizes and types.
Click tube — See flavor-capsule tube.
Cone (pre-rolled cone) — A rolling paper pre-shaped into a cone with a built-in tip at the narrow end. Filled by hand rather than rolled. Available in sizes from 70 mm to 109 mm (king size). See cone sizes and how to fill a cone.
Crutch — See tip.
E
ECF (elemental chlorine-free) — A paper bleaching method that uses chlorine dioxide rather than elemental chlorine gas. Produces fewer organochlorine byproducts than older methods. See bleached vs. unbleached rolling papers.
F
Filter tip — A small component placed at the end of a rolled cigarette. Types include cardboard (structural mouthpiece), cotton, cellulose acetate, and activated charcoal. See types of filter tips explained.
Flavor-capsule tube (click tube) — A cigarette tube containing a small capsule in the filter that releases a flavoring (typically menthol) when squeezed until it breaks. Subject to regulatory restrictions in some jurisdictions, including the EU. See cigarette tube types.
Flax (linen) — A plant fiber used in some rolling papers, producing a thin, strong sheet. Less common than rice or hemp in the US market. See what are rolling papers made of.
G
Grinder — A device used to break tobacco (or other dry material) into a consistent, even texture before rolling or filling. Available in 2-piece, 3-piece, and 4-piece designs, made from metal, acrylic, or wood.
GSM (grams per square meter) — The standard unit for measuring paper weight (basis weight). Rolling papers typically range from 10 to 25 gsm. Lower gsm means a thinner, lighter sheet. See how rolling paper thickness (GSM) works.
Gum arabic (acacia gum) — A natural, water-soluble resin from Acacia trees, used as the adhesive strip (gumline) on most rolling papers. Classified as GRAS by the FDA for food use (21 CFR §184.1330). See what is the glue strip on rolling papers.
Gumline — The adhesive strip along one edge of a rolling paper. Moisture-activated: wet it to make it tacky, press to seal. Almost always made from gum arabic. See glue strip article.
H
Hemp paper — A rolling paper made from Cannabis sativa fiber (the same plant species grown for industrial fiber and seed oil). Typically 14–18 gsm, with a tan or natural color when unbleached. See what are rolling papers made of.
I
Injector — See tube-filling machine.
K
King size — A rolling paper or cone size approximately 100–110 mm long. King size papers are wider (~55–60 mm) than king size slim (~42–46 mm). In cigarette tubes, king size refers to a total tube length of approximately 84 mm. See rolling paper sizes and cone sizes.
King size slim — A rolling paper the same length as king size (~100–110 mm) but narrower (~42–46 mm wide), producing a longer, slimmer roll. See rolling paper sizes.
L
Lean (cone) — A pre-rolled cone that is king-size length (109–110 mm) but with a narrower opening diameter (~9–10 mm) than a standard king size cone (~12–13 mm). Holds less tobacco despite the same length. See cone sizes.
M
Meerschaum — A naturally occurring mineral (sepiolite, a hydrated magnesium silicate) used in pipe bowls and pipe filters. Porous and lightweight; absorbs moisture from the smoke stream. The name is German for “sea foam.”
O
1 1/4 (one-and-a-quarter) — A common rolling paper and cone size. Papers are approximately 76–78 mm long and 45–48 mm wide; cones are approximately 84 mm long. The most popular paper size in the US market. See rolling paper sizes and cone sizes.
100s (cigarette tube) — A cigarette tube approximately 100 mm in total length, about 16 mm longer than king size. Requires a compatible tube-filling machine. See cigarette tube sizes.
P
Pipe filter — A filter that sits inside the stem of a tobacco pipe. The three main types are activated charcoal (adsorbs gaseous compounds), balsa wood (absorbs moisture), and meerschaum (absorbs moisture). Available in 9 mm and 6 mm diameters. See pipe filter types.
Porosity — The ratio of open space (pores) within a paper sheet. Affects how easily air passes through the paper, which influences burn behavior. Measured separately from GSM (basis weight). See GSM and porosity.
R
Rice paper — A rolling paper made from processed rice straw. Among the thinnest papers available, typically 10–14 gsm. See what are rolling papers made of.
Rolling paper — A thin sheet of plant-based cellulose (wood pulp, rice, hemp, or flax) used to roll tobacco by hand. Includes a gumline for sealing. See what are rolling papers made of and rolling paper sizes.
Rolling tray — A flat surface with raised edges used to organize rolling materials and catch loose tobacco. Available in metal, wood, and plastic. See how to set up a rolling tray.
RYO (roll your own) — Refers to hand-rolling tobacco cigarettes using rolling papers, as distinct from smoking manufactured cigarettes. Also used to describe the category of accessories (papers, filters, machines) used for this purpose.
S
Single wide — The smallest standard rolling paper size, approximately 68–70 mm long and 34–36 mm wide. Produces a roll similar in size to a standard manufactured cigarette. See rolling paper sizes.
T
TAPPI — Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. Maintains standard test methods for paper properties, including basis weight (T 410) and air permeability (T 460). Referenced in Rollpedia’s paper-science articles.
TCF (totally chlorine-free) — A paper bleaching method that uses no chlorine compounds, relying instead on oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide. See bleached vs. unbleached rolling papers.
Tip — A small piece of rolled card (also called a crutch or roach card in some markets) placed at the end of a hand-rolled cigarette to provide structure, a firm mouthpiece, and a particle barrier. Pre-made tips in cotton, cellulose acetate, and activated charcoal are also available. See types of filter tips.
Tube-filling machine (injector) — A device that pushes loose tobacco into a cigarette tube. Available in manual (hand-operated lever or crank) and electric formats. Must be matched to the tube size (king size or 100s).
U
Unbleached (papers) — Rolling papers that have not undergone a whitening step during manufacturing, retaining the natural tan or brown color of the processed plant fiber. See bleached vs. unbleached rolling papers.
W
Watermark — A pattern pressed into a rolling paper during manufacturing. Some manufacturers describe the watermark as intended to help regulate burn direction. RAW’s crisscross watermark is a widely recognized example. See what are rolling papers made of.
Wood pulp paper — A rolling paper made from softwood tree pulp. Typically the heaviest common paper type (18–25 gsm), opaque, and easier to handle than thinner materials. See what are rolling papers made of.