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Photostat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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photostat

[fษ™สŠtษ™สŠstรฆt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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.

Synonyms

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  • The archive still has a functioning photostat for historical documents.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

Translations

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Origin of 'photostat'

The term 'photostat' was first coined in the early 20th century and is derived from the combination of 'photo', relating to light, and 'stat', from the Greek word 'statikos', meaning โ€˜standingโ€™ or โ€˜at restโ€™. The Photostat machine was invented by Chester Carlson in 1938, leading to a revolution in document duplication. Its popularity grew in the mid-20th century, especially in offices and educational institutions where document reproduction was a common need. The Photostat worked by using photographic technology to capture images onto sensitive paper, bypassing the need for traditional printing methods. Over the decades, with advancements in digital technology and electronic photocopying, the use of traditional photostats has declined, yet the name persists as a reminder of early document reproduction techniques.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,272, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.