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monotype

1 9.6

A machine that makes and sets metal letters for printing using a keyboard

noun
/ˈmɒnəˌtaɪp/

Archaic

: máquina de monotipo

In the print shop, the monotype was crucial for quickly casting the individual letters required for the job.

Examples

Learning how to operate the monotype was essential for getting the precise typeface needed for the project.
Monotype; 168.9cm x 44.5cm (66 1/2" x 17 1/2").

Academic text (2002)
The typesetter used the monotype machine to create beautiful printed letters for the book.

Synonyms

monotype caster

vsmonotype

Archaic

9.9

A machine that makes single metal letters for printing

is operated by a keyboard and also sets separate characters

Compounds

monotype caster

Archaic

9.9

A machine that makes single metal letters for printing

monotype keyboard

Archaic

9.9

A keyboard that punches paper tape to tell a Monotype machine which letters to make

Surface Forms

monotype singular

monotypes plural

Morphology

monotype = type (opaque) = mono + type

Although the form looks compositional, the machine name is a specialized technical term whose meaning is not straightforwardly recoverable from mono- + type.

Etymology

Monotype comes from mono- meaning 'one' and type meaning 'letter' or 'form'. The name fits the old typesetting machine because it made and set single 'types' or letters, one piece at a time.