The word "linotyper" is spelled with the phonetic symbols /ˈlaɪnəʊˌtaɪpər/. The first syllable, "li-" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, as in "line". The second syllable, "-no", is pronounced with a short "o" sound, as in "not". The third syllable, "-type", is pronounced with a long "i" sound, followed by the consonant sound "p". The final syllable, "-er", is pronounced with a short "i" sound, as in "rip". Together, the word "linotyper" refers to a machine or operator that typesets text using Linotype technology.
A linotyper is a noun referring to a person who operates a linotype machine, as well as the machine itself. The term originates from the combination of "line" and "type," emphasizing the machine's function to produce lines of type. The linotype machine was a mechanical device used in the printing industry from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. It revolutionized typesetting by replacing the labor-intensive manual typesetting process.
The linotyper's primary role was to use the linotype machine to compose lines of metal type, known as slugs, which were then used for printing. The machine featured a keyboard that allowed the operator to input letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. Through a series of mechanically driven processes, molten metal was poured into molds to form the individual characters and then assembled into lines of type.
As a profession, being a linotyper required a high level of skill and technical knowledge. Linotypers were responsible for maintaining the machine's proper operation and ensuring accurate and error-free typesetting. Their role was crucial in the production of newspapers, books, and other printed materials, as they were able to work at much faster speeds compared to traditional typesetting methods. However, with the advent of digital technology and computer-based typesetting systems, the linotype machine became obsolete, and the profession of linotyper faded away. Today, linotypers are remembered as key figures in the history of printing and typesetting.
The word "linotyper" originates from the combination of two words: "lino" and "typer".
"Lino" refers to "linotype", which was a type of typesetting machine invented by Ottmar Mergenthaler in the late 19th century. The linotype machine revolutionized the printing industry by replacing the laborious and time-consuming process of hand-setting each individual letter with a mechanical system that could produce entire lines of text at once. The linotype machine used a keyboard, similar to a typewriter, to select the desired letters and characters that were cast in metal. It significantly increased the speed and efficiency of typesetting.
The second part of the term, "typer", is a derivative of the word "type". In the context of printing, "type" refers to the individual letterforms used for printing.