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Xerox Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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xerox

[ˈzɪərɒks ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

brand name

Xerox is a trademarked term that refers to a brand of photocopying machines and related technologies. Initially established in the 20th century, Xerox has become synonymous with the act of photocopying, regardless of the brand of the machine used. The term can also refer to documents that have been duplicated using a Xerox machine. In modern usage, it often implies the copy process itself, highlighting the brand's significant impact on office practices and documentation.

Synonyms

copy, duplicate, photocopy.

Examples of usage

  • I need to make a Xerox of this report.
  • Can you Xerox these pages for me?
  • She handed me a Xerox of her resume.
  • Please make a Xerox for our records.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'xerox'

The term 'Xerox' originated from a company founded in the early 1900s, originally named The Haloid Photographic Company. In 1938, Chester Carlson invented the process of electrophotography, which was later marketed as photcopying. The company adopted the name 'Xerox Corporation' in 1961. The name 'Xerox' is derived from the Greek word 'xeros,' meaning dry, and it reflects the dry photocopying process that revolutionized document duplication. Over the decades, the brand became so predominant in the photocopying industry that 'to xerox' became a widely accepted verb in English, indicating the act of making a photocopy. Despite the rise of digital documents and scanning technologies, the Xerox brand remains a cultural reference point for photocopying.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,639, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.