Definition

1. Noun:

   • A mimeograph machine; a duplicating machine that produces copies from a prepared stencil. (Often used as a shortened form of "mimeograph").
   • A copy produced by such a machine.

2. Verb:

   • To produce copies using a mimeograph machine; to duplicate a document via the mimeograph process.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Machine):
  • The teacher ran the test papers off on the old mimeo in the office.
  • Before photocopiers, schools relied on the mimeo for handouts.
• Noun (Copy):
  • He handed me a purple-inked mimeo of the meeting agenda.
• Verb:
  • Could you mimeo fifty copies of this memo for the staff?
  • She mimeoed the song sheets for the choir.

Advanced Usage

• The term is informal and primarily historical, referring to technology largely obsolete since the late 20th century. It is often used nostalgically or to describe a specific, often imperfect, quality of pre-photocopier duplication.
  • The zine had the charming, smudgy look of a old-school mimeo job.

Variants and Related Words

• Mimeograph (n/v): The full, more formal term for both the machine and the process.
• Roneo (n): A trademarked brand name for a mimeograph machine, sometimes used generically.
• Duplicator (n): A general term for any machine that makes multiple copies.
• Stencil (n): The waxed paper master sheet through which ink is forced in the mimeograph process.

Synonyms

• Noun (for the copy): Duplicate, copy, handout.
• Verb: Duplicate, copy, run off.

Related Phrases

• To run off (on the mimeo): A phrasal verb commonly associated with the action.
  • I need to run off these flyers on the mimeo before the event.

Noun

1. a rotary duplicator that uses a stencil through which ink is pressed (trade mark Roneo)

Verb

1. print copies from (a prepared stencil) using a mimeograph
   • She mimeographed the syllabus