Definition

Noun: * A type of duplicating machine that creates quick positive or negative copies directly onto the surface of specially prepared paper. It was a common office machine before the widespread adoption of modern photocopiers.

Usage

The term "photostat machine" refers specifically to the device itself. It is often used in historical or descriptive contexts to discuss older office technology.

Examples

• The office archive contained documents copied by an old photostat machine.
• Before digital scanners, libraries used photostat machines to reproduce pages from books.
• The patent drawing was reproduced using a photostat machine.

Advanced Usage

• The process of making a copy with this machine is called "photostatting," and the resulting copy is often called a "photostat."
  • Example: They sent the photostat of the contract for review.

Variants and Related Words

• Photostat (noun): A copy made by a photostat machine.
  • Example: Please file the photostat with the original document.
• Photostat (verb, less common): To make a copy using a photostat machine.
  • Example: The clerk was asked to photostat the report.

Synonyms

• Copying machine
• Duplicator
• (Historical) Rectigraph (a specific brand name sometimes used generically)

Notes

• The term "Photostat" was originally a trademark for a specific brand of machine and process, but it became a generic term for this type of copier.
• It is largely obsolete in modern contexts, having been replaced by xerographic photocopiers and digital scanners.

Noun

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