photocopy etymology

Etymology

  • Photo: from Greek "φῶς" (phōs), meaning "light"
  • Copy: from Latin "copia", meaning "abundance, large quantity"

Meaning

A photocopy is a duplicate document produced by a photocopying machine. It is an exact replica of the original document, including text, images, and formatting.

Origin

The concept of photocopying has been around for centuries, with early methods involving the use of tracing paper or sunlight. However, the first modern photocopying machine was invented in 1938 by Chester Carlson, an American physicist. Carlson's machine used a process called "xerography," which means "dry writing."

Xerography involves transferring a static electrical charge to a light-sensitive surface and then exposing it to light. The light creates a latent image, which is then developed with a powder toner that adheres to the charged areas. The toner is then transferred to paper, creating a photocopy.

Carlson's invention revolutionized the office environment and made photocopying a widespread practice. Today, photocopying machines are found in homes, offices, schools, and libraries around the world.

photocopy relate terms

  • copy

    Etymology The word copy originates from the Middle English word copien meaning to

  • copy

    Etymology The word copy originates from the Middle English word copien meaning to

  • photocopier

    Etymology of Photocopier The word photocopier is a blend of two Greek words photo

  • photocopy

    Etymology Photo from Greek φῶς phōs meaning light Copy from Latin copia

  • photograph

    Etymology The word photograph is derived from the Greek words Phōs φῶς Ligh

  • picture

    Etymology The word picture comes from the Latin word pictura meaning painting or pi

  • career

    Etymology Late Middle English cariere from Anglo Norman French cariere from Old Fren

  • contingent

    Etymology Latin dependere to hang down be dependent Meaning 1 Dependent or Con

  • tuxedo

    Etymology The word tuxedo is derived from the name of the Tuxedo Park Country Club in T

  • sorry

    Etymology From Middle English sori from Old English sārig meaning sorrowful sa

  • chess

    Etymology The word chess is derived from the Old French word eschecs which in turn