The word "photostatter" is spelled with the /fəʊtəʊstætə/ phonetic transcription. This term refers to a machine that is used to reproduce documents or graphics in large quantities. Phonetically, the word has two syllables, with the primary stress on the first syllable. The "ph" sound is pronounced as /f/, and the "o" sound is pronounced as /əʊ/. The second syllable starts with "st" and ends with "er," with the "a" sound being pronounced as /æ/. The final "er" is pronounced as /ə/.
A photostatter refers to a device or machine used for photocopying or duplicating documents. It is derived from the combination of the words "photo" and "statter," the latter being an abbreviated term for "duplicator." The photostatter enables the replication of printed or written materials by utilizing a photochemical process. It functions by illuminating the original document with light, which exposes a photosensitive surface or plate. This plate, coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, reacts to the light and captures the image of the original document. The plate is then passed through a series of chemical processing steps that develop and fix the image onto the surface. As a result, an exact duplicate or replica of the original document is obtained.
The use of a photostatter revolutionized the reproduction of documents, as it greatly expedited the copying process. Before the advent of modern photocopiers, the photostatter was a widely utilized tool in offices, businesses, and libraries. However, with advancements in technology, the photostatter has largely been replaced by more efficient and compact photocopying machines. Nonetheless, the term "photostatter" retains historical significance as it symbolizes the early stages of document duplication and printing technology.
The word "photostat" is derived from two components: "photo" and "stat".
- The prefix "photo" comes from the Greek word "phōs" (φῶς), meaning "light". It is also the root of words like "photograph" and "photography", which relate to the capturing and recording of light.
- The suffix "-stat" is derived from the Greek word "statos", meaning "set" or "fixed". It is associated with words like "static" or "stationary".
"Photostat" was originally a trademarked name for a particular brand of copying machines invented by the American engineer and inventor, Charles C. Krum. These machines were used to create photographic reproductions of documents by shining a light through the original document and directly exposing a sensitized photographic plate or paper. The resulting copy was a fixed image.