printing-machine

A worker loads paper into the printing-machine.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical device for printing: "printing-machine" refers to a machine used to produce text or images on paper or other materials, typically by transferring ink from a type or plate. This term is synonymous with "printing press" in many contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The invention of the printing-machine revolutionized the spread of knowledge in the 15th century. (The device enabled mass production of books.)
  • The old printing-machine in the museum still works and can print newspapers. (A historical mechanical printer.)

Advanced Usage

• "to operate a printing-machine": to use or control such a device.

  • He learned to operate a printing-machine during his apprenticeship. (He was trained to use the machine for printing.)

• "printing-machine operator": a person who runs the machine.

  • The printing-machine operator adjusted the ink levels for better quality. (The worker responsible for the device.)

Variants and Related Words

• Printing press (n): a machine for printing text or images from a type or plate.
  • The Gutenberg printing press changed the world. (A specific type of printing-machine.)
• Print (v): to produce text or images on a surface using a machine.
  • We need to print 500 copies of the brochure. (The action performed by a printing-machine.)
• Printer (n): a machine or person that prints.
  • The office printer is out of ink. (A modern version of a printing-machine.)

Synonyms

• Printing press: the most common synonym, especially for historical or industrial machines.
• Press: a shortened form often used in the context of printing.
  • The press stopped working due to a mechanical fault. (Referring to the printing-machine.)

Related Idioms

• "to be in the printing machine": a rare, literal idiom meaning something is being printed.
  • The book is currently in the printing machine. (The book is being produced by the machine.)

Notes

• Usage note: "Printing-machine" is a compound noun, often hyphenated or written as two words ("printing machine"). It is more commonly replaced by "printing press" in modern English, though "printing-machine" appears in technical or historical descriptions.