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monotype caster

monotype caster

9.9
A machine that makes single metal letters for printing
  • noun
  • /ˈmɒnəˌtaɪp ˈkæstər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : fundidora de monotipo
  • With a monotype caster, printers could quickly produce custom fonts for every job.

Examples

  • The old printing press still houses a monotype caster from the early twentieth century.

  • Restoring the monotype caster took months, but now it works as smoothly as ever.

  • The monotype caster was essential for the printing press.

  • Many monotype casters are still in use today.

  • The monotype caster allowed printers to create individual letters quickly and efficiently.

  • After years of use, the monotype caster was finally updated to improve its performance.

  • He learned how to operate the monotype caster to enhance the quality of his printed materials.

Synonyms

monotype
vsmonotype caster
  • Archaic
1 9.6

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

focuses specifically on casting single characters rather than arranging whole text
typesetting machine
vsmonotype caster
  • Archaic
5.7

A machine that puts letters together to make text for printing

specializes in casting individual characters rather than arranging lines of text

Surface Forms

Morphology

monotype + caster

The compound is largely compositional: 'monotype' specifies the kind of type being produced and 'caster' denotes an entity that casts, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to a caster for monotype (i.e., a device or agent that casts individual type). However, the term is technical and there is some ambiguity whether 'caster' refers to a machine or a person in ordinary usage, so the exact referent and specialized domain reduce full predictability for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Monotype caster may come from the parts mono, meaning 'one', type, meaning a printed 'letter', and caster, a machine that makes shapes by pouring metal. The image of a machine making 'one' letter at a time by pouring hot metal into a mold helps explain why the name means a machine that makes single characters for printing.