electrotype

[ ih-lek-truh-tahyp ]

noun
  1. a facsimile, for use in printing, of a block of type, an engraving, or the like, consisting of a thin copper or nickel shell deposited by electrolytic action in a wax, lead, or plastic mold of the original and backed with lead alloy.

verb (used with object),e·lec·tro·typed, e·lec·tro·typ·ing.
  1. to make an electrotype of.

Origin of electrotype

1
First recorded in 1830–40; electro- + type

Other words from electrotype

  • e·lec·tro·typ·er, noun

Words Nearby electrotype

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use electrotype in a sentence

  • This has one plate cylinder and one impression cylinder, and curved electrotype plates are used.

  • From this mould an ordinary electrotype is made by the method described elsewhere in this book.

  • Copper electrotype plates such as are used in printing school books are made by this process.

    Physics | Willis Eugene Tower
  • The production of copper facsimiles by the electric current is called electrotype, and is the oldest branch of electro-metallurgy.

  • Both cast and electrotype are in the National Portrait Gallery.

    Life of John Keats | Sidney Colvin

British Dictionary definitions for electrotype

electrotype

/ (ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌtaɪp) /


noun
  1. a duplicate printing plate made by electrolytically depositing a layer of copper or nickel onto a mould of the original: Sometimes shortened to: electro

verb
  1. (tr) to make an electrotype of (printed matter, illustrations, etc)

Derived forms of electrotype

  • electrotyper, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012