Definition

1. Noun:

   • A type of duplicating machine: A specific brand and model of machine historically used to create direct photographic copies of documents onto prepared paper, producing either positive or negative images.
   • A copy made by such a machine: A photocopy produced directly by a Photostat machine.

2. Verb:

   • To make a copy using a Photostat machine: The act of using a Photostat device to duplicate a document.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Machine):

  • The library's archive contained an old photostat for copying rare manuscripts.
  • Before modern copiers, offices used a photostat for document reproduction.

• Noun (Copy):

  • He handed me a photostat of the original contract.
  • The researcher examined a photostat of the 19th-century letter.

• Verb:

  • Please photostat this report for all department heads.
  • The clerk was asked to photostat the legal documents.

Advanced Usage

• The term "photostat" is often used historically or generically to refer to early photographic copying processes, even when not referring to the specific brand-name machine.
  • The technique, often called photostating, was revolutionary for its time.

Variants and Related Words

• Photostatic (adj): Relating to or made by a Photostat.
  • The photostatic copy was surprisingly clear.
• Photostatting (v, gerund): The process of making copies with a Photostat machine.
  • Photostatting the entire manual took all afternoon.

Synonyms

• Copy (n/v): A general term for a duplicate.
• Photocopy (n/v): A more modern term for a photographic copy, largely replacing "photostat."
• Duplicate (n/v): An exact copy.

Notes on Usage

• Historical Term: "Photostat" (capitalized) was originally a trademark for a specific machine. The lowercase term became generic for the copies and the process.
• Archaic: In contemporary language, "photocopy" or simply "copy" is almost always used instead of "photostat," which now carries a historical or technical nuance.

Noun

1. a duplicating machine that makes quick positive or negative copies directly on the surface of prepared paper
2. a photocopy made on a Photostat machine

Verb

1. make a copy by means of a Photostat device