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Glite Dictionary
addressing machine

addressing machine

6.1
A machine that automatically prints addresses on envelopes or letters for mailing
  • noun
  • /əˈdrɛsɪŋ məˈʃin/
  • Specialized
translation icon : máquina de direcciones
  • The company used an addressing machine to prepare thousands of envelopes for the marketing campaign.

Examples

  • Before the days of digital printing, mailing departments relied on the addressing machine for bulk correspondence.

  • Our office just purchased a new addressing machine.

  • Advances in technology have made the traditional addressing machine largely obsolete in modern offices.

  • The addressing machine is essential for our mailing process.

  • Before the days of digital printing, mailing departments relied on the addressing machine for bulk correspondence.

  • The company used an addressing machine to prepare thousands of envelopes for the marketing campaign.

  • Our office just purchased a new addressing machine to improve efficiency in mail preparation.

Synonyms

printing machine
vsaddressing machine
  • Specialized
1 2.8

A machine that puts words and pictures onto paper

is specific to printing addresses on mail items rather than general printing
Addressograph
vsaddressing machine
  • Archaic
9.9

A machine that prints addresses on envelopes and letters

is another name for the same automatic address printing device

How Automated

addressing machine
  • Specialized
6.1
mail service
1 1.0

Surface Forms

addressing machine singular
addressing machines plural

Morphology

address + machine

The meaning is directly compositional: verb+ing ('addressing') describes the action the device performs and 'machine' indicates a device, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer 'a machine that addresses/prints addresses'. This follows a common and productive English pattern (e.g., 'washing machine', 'printing machine') and has close parallels in many other languages, making it transparent.

Etymology

Addressing machine is named for a simple idea: a machine that puts the address on letters or envelopes for you. That's why the name means 'a device that automatically prints addresses' for large mailings.