Hectograph

/ˈhɛktəɡræf/ noun

Definition

A printing device that uses a gelatinous surface to reproduce copies of written or drawn documents, popular before photocopiers were invented.

Etymology

From Greek 'hecto-' (hundred) and '-graph' (writing), named because it could produce approximately one hundred copies from a single master copy using gelatin plates.

Kelly Says

Hectographs were the office photocopier of the early 1900s—you'd write something on special paper, press it onto a jelly-like surface, and could pull off about 100 copies, each one getting a little fainter like a ghost of the original!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.