Electrophotographic: meaning, definitions and examples

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electrophotographic

 

[ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˌfəʊtəˈɡræfɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

printing technology

Electrophotographic refers to a printing process that uses electrostatic charges to transfer toner onto paper. This technology is commonly used in laser printers and copiers, where an image is created using laser beams that charge a photosensitive drum and subsequently attract toner particles.

Synonyms

electrostatic printing, laser printing

Examples of usage

  • The electrophotographic process greatly improves printing speed.
  • Many modern offices rely on electrophotographic printers.
  • Electrophotographic techniques are increasingly used for high-quality printing.

Word origin

The term electrophotographic is rooted in both the fields of electricity and photography. The prefix 'electro-' comes from the Greek word 'ēlektron', meaning 'amber', which was historically linked to static electricity when amber was rubbed. 'Photographic' is derived from the Greek words 'photos', meaning 'light', and 'graphos', meaning 'drawing or writing'. The combination of these terms reflects the method that uses electric charges to create images on surfaces, combining elements of electronic technology and photographic methods. The first practical electrophotographic process was developed in the late 1930s by Chester Carlson, leading to the invention of xerography, which drastically changed the way documents were reproduced.