n. & v.
--n.
1. an indentation or mark on a surface left by the pressure of a thing in contact with it (fingerprint; footprint).
2 a printed lettering or writing (large print). b words in printed form. c a printed publication, esp. a newspaper. d the quantity of a book etc. printed at one time. e the state of being printed.
3 a picture or design printed from a block or plate.
4 Photog. a picture produced on paper from a negative.
5 a printed cotton fabric.
--v.tr.
1. a produce or reproduce (a book, picture, etc.) by applying inked types, blocks, or plates, to paper, vellum, etc. b (of an author, publisher, or editor) cause (a book or manuscript etc.) to be produced or reproduced in this way.
2 express or publish in print.
3 a (often foll. by on, in) impress or stamp (a mark or figure on a surface). b (often foll. by with) impress or stamp (a soft surface, e.g. of butter or wax, with a seal, die, etc.).
4 (often absol.) write (words or letters) without joining, in imitation of typography.
5 (often foll. by off, out) Photog. produce (a picture) by the transmission of light through a negative.
6 (usu. foll. by out) (of a computer etc.) produce output in printed form.
7 mark (a textile fabric) with a decorative design in colours.
8 (foll. by on) impress (an idea, scene, etc. on the mind or memory).
9 transfer (a coloured or plain design) from paper etc. to the unglazed or glazed surface of ceramic ware.
Phrases and idioms:
appear in print have one's work published. in print
1. (of a book etc.) available from the publisher.
2 in printed form. out of print no longer available from the publisher. printed circuit an electric circuit with thin strips of conductor on a flat insulating sheet, usu. made by a process like printing.
Derivatives:
printable adj. printability n. printless adj. (in sense 1 of n.).
Etymology: ME f. OF priente, preinte, fem. past part. of preindre press f. L premere