Dittograph

/ˈdɪtəɡræf/ noun

Definition

A machine or device designed to automatically copy or reproduce documents by marking paper based on an original.

Etymology

From 'ditto' (Italian 'detto') plus '-graph' (Greek 'graphein,' to write). A coined technical term from the late 1800s describing a copying device.

Kelly Says

The dittograph was one of several failed mechanical copiers from the early industrial era—these forgotten machines show how many 'solved' technologies actually proved impractical compared to emerging alternatives like the photocopier!

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