Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of computer printer: A "line printer" is an output device for computers that prints an entire line of text simultaneously, rather than printing character by character or page by page. It is known for high-speed printing in bulk data processing environments.

Usage

• The term "line printer" is used to describe a specific, older technology for high-volume printing. It is typically used in technical, historical, or industrial computing contexts.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The data center used a line printer for generating lengthy daily reports.
  • Early mainframe computers were often connected to a line printer.

Advanced Usage

• "line printer" as a system component: Often discussed in the context of legacy computer systems, batch processing, or data centers.
  • The system's output was directed to a line printer for creating permanent records.

Variants and Related Words

• Line printing (n): The process or capability of printing by entire lines.
  • Line printing was a significant advancement in computer output speed.
• Impact printer (n): A broader category of printers that includes line printers, which work by striking an inked ribbon against paper.

Synonyms

• High-speed printer: Emphasizes the device's primary characteristic.
• Barrel printer: A specific, older type of line printer that uses a rotating barrel with raised characters.

Antonyms

• Character printer: A printer that prints one character at a time (e.g., a daisy wheel printer).
• Page printer: A printer that processes and prints an entire page at a time (e.g., a laser printer).

Related Phrases

• "Off the line printer": Refers to output taken directly from the printer.
  • He collected the report off the line printer.

Noun

1. printer that serves as an output device on a computer; prints a whole line of characters at a time