Xeroxed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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xeroxed

[หˆzษชษ™rษ’kst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

copying documents

Xeroxed refers to the action of making a photocopy of a document using a Xerox machine or similar device. The term is often used informally to describe any process of copying documents, even if the copying device is not a Xerox brand. This word gained popularity as Xerox became synonymous with photocopying.

Synonyms

copied, duplicated, reproduced.

Examples of usage

  • I xeroxed the report for the meeting.
  • She xeroxed the documents for all the participants.
  • Can you xerox this page for me?
  • He xeroxed his application to send to three schools.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • The first commercial photocopier was introduced by Xerox in 1959, revolutionizing document duplication.
  • Photocopiers use a process called Xerography, where light reflects off the original document to create an image on paper.
  • Xerox's invention led to rapid advancements in printing technology, significantly impacting the publishing industry.

Culture

  • The term 'xerox' often represents the act of copying in popular media, showcasing the convenience of duplication.
  • In the 1980s, many office humor cartoons depicted the relatable struggles of using a copier, cementing the culture around xeroxing.
  • Movies and TV shows often feature characters making copies as a key plot point, emphasizing the everyday nature of the act.

Business

  • Xerox changed the way businesses operated by introducing efficient document management systems.
  • The company has continuously evolved its technology, expanding from photocopiers to multifunctional devices and digital solutions.
  • In the corporate world, 'xeroxing' is often synonymous with efficiency and quick turnaround of important paperwork.

Education

  • Schools frequently use photocopiers for distributing learning materials, allowing teachers to share resources with students easily.
  • The ability to quickly create copies has supported collaborative learning in classrooms, making it easier for students to organize materials.
  • University libraries rely on photocopying for reproducing research articles and thesis papers, stressing the importance of the technology in academia.

Origin of 'xeroxed'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'Xerox' comes from the Greek word 'xerox,' meaning dry, as the original photocopy process did not use liquid.
  • The Xerox Corporation was founded in 1906, originally focusing on electrostatic copying processes.
  • The term 'xeroxed' became popular in the 1960s as photocopiers became common in offices and schools.

The term 'xerox' originally comes from the name of the Xerox Corporation, founded in 1906 as the Haloid Photographic Company. The company developed the first commercial photocopier in 1959, which revolutionized the way documents were copied and reproduced. 'Xerox' itself is derived from the Greek word 'xerographos', which means 'dry writing'. Over time, the brand name became so prominent that it was used as a verb in everyday language, such as 'to xerox', meaning to make a photocopy. Despite the proliferation of other photocopying brands and technologies, the term 'xerox' remains widely recognized and used to describe the act of making copies, regardless of the machine being used. This reflects a common phenomenon in branding called 'genericide', where a brand name becomes a generic term for a type of product or service.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,020, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.