photostat

1 of 2

noun

pho·​to·​stat ˈfō-tə-ˌstat How to pronounce photostat (audio)
1
or photostat machine : a device used for making a photographic copy of graphic matter
Photostat machines, which were introduced in the early 1900s and which make copies photographically on sensitized paper, were much too expensive for ordinary office use.David Owen
2
: a copy made by a photostat machine
I showed him the photostat of my license, complete with my picture.Robert B. Parker

photostat

2 of 2

verb

photostated also photostatted; photostating also photostatting

transitive verb

: to copy by a photostat

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from Photostat, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photostat was in 1911

Dictionary Entries Near photostat

Cite this Entry

“Photostat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photostat. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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