Photostat: meaning, definitions and examples

photocopy device

A photostat is a device used for making copies of documents and images. It works by reflecting light off the original document onto a photosensitive surface, creating a reproduction. The term was originally a trademark but has since become a generic term for such devices. These machines were commonly used in offices before the advent of modern photocopying technology. They remain in use for archival purposes in some situations.

copying machine, duplicator, photocopy

Examples of usage

• I used the photostat to make copies of the report.

• The archive still has a functioning photostat for historical documents.

• She sent the photostat of the drawing to her colleagues.

• The photostat produced a clear copy of the document.