Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of impact printer: A "dot printer" is a computer printer that forms characters and images by striking an ink-soaked ribbon against paper using a matrix of small pins.
   • Creates patterns of dots: It represents each character or graphic element as a pattern of dots from a fixed grid or matrix.

Usage

• As a subject: "The dot printer is known for its ability to produce carbon copies."
• As an object: "They replaced the old dot printer with a laser model."
• With modifiers: "A 9-pin dot printer," "a serial dot printer."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The office still uses a dot printer for printing multi-part forms.
  • Early personal computers were often paired with a dot printer.

Advanced Usage

• Technical context: In discussions of legacy or specialized printing hardware, "dot printer" is used to describe the mechanism distinct from inkjet or laser printing.
  • The system's receipt was generated by a high-speed dot printer.

Variants and Related Words

• Dot matrix printer (n): The more common full term for this type of printer. "Dot printer" is often a shortened form of this.
• Impact printer (n): A broader category of printers that includes dot matrix, daisy wheel, and line printers.

Synonyms

• Dot matrix printer: The direct synonym.
• Impact matrix printer: A more technical synonym emphasizing the printing method.

Related Phrases

• Near-phrase / Compound term: "Dot printer head" refers to the assembly containing the pins that strike the ribbon.
  • The dot printer head needed cleaning to improve print quality.

Noun

1. a printer that represents each character as a pattern of dots from a dot matrix